Moloch horridus                  Insectivore             Diurnal              Status: Least concern

This appealing little lizard grows up to 20 cm in length over a lifespan of up to 20 years. Females are larger than males. They are well camouflaged in shades of brown and tan which grow darker as the temperature decreases. Grooves between their hard spines allow them to channel moisture to their mouth.

Their bodies also feature a false head on the back behind the real head; when threatened they lower their head between their front legs allowing just the false head to be seen. Ants form the mainstay of their diet and they can eat thousands in one day.

Photo courtesy of Roger Laird.