Thorny Devil
What is thorny devil?
Key facts
The thorny devil is a small, spiky Australian desert lizard known for its unique appearance and ant-only diet.
Context
The thorny devil, *Moloch horridus*, is a small Australian desert lizard known for its spiky body and ant-only diet. It is found in arid and semi-arid parts of Australia and is also called the mountain devil, thorny lizard, or moloch. The thorny devil can channel water through grooves in its skin and is diurnal, active during the day. Its range covers most of arid Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and western Queensland. The thorny devil is not endangered and has a conservation status of Least Concern [1].
Documented claims
- It is endemic to Australia. [1]
- It is diurnal. [1]
- It can channel water through grooves in its skin. [1]
- It lives in dry sand country, spinifex grasslands, and scrub. [1]
- Its range covers most of arid Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and western Queensland. [1]
Questions and answers
Where do thorny devils live?
Thorny devils live in arid and semi-arid parts of Australia, including dry sand country, spinifex grasslands, and scrub. Their range covers most of arid Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and western Queensland [1].
What do thorny devils eat?
Thorny devils have an ant-only diet [1].
Are thorny devils endangered?
No, thorny devils are not endangered. Their conservation status is Least Concern [1].
Sources
- Thorny Devils — bushheritage.org.au (retrieved August 3, 2026)