Which lizard is known for its 'thorny devil' appearance?

The lizard known for its “thorny devil” appearance is the thorny devil. Scientifically called Moloch horridus, this Australian agamid is covered with conical spines that make it look like a miniature desert dragon. It is the only species in the genus Moloch and was formally described by John Edward Gray in 1841.

Its spines are more than decoration: they discourage predators and help camouflage the lizard among Australia’s arid scrublands and deserts. The thorny devil also has a spiny false head on the back of its neck. When threatened, it lowers its real head and presents this decoy instead.

One of its most remarkable adaptations is water collection. Grooves between its scales move dew, rain, and moisture from damp sand toward its mouth by capillary action. The species mainly eats ants and may consume thousands in a day.

A common mix-up is with North American horned lizards, which have a similar spiky appearance. They are only distantly related; their resemblance is an example of convergent evolution.