Central netted dragon

Last updated

Central netted dragon
Central-netted-dragon.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Ctenophorus
Species:
C. nuchalis
Binomial name
Ctenophorus nuchalis
(De vis, 1884)
Central netted dragon distribution.jpg
Distribution of the central netted dragon

The central netted dragon or central netted ground dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) is a species of agamid lizard occurring in a wide range of arid to semiarid regions of Australia. It is widespread across the continent, commonly found in open, sandy, desert habitats. It is a popular pet and can often be found in zoos.

Contents

Description

Central netted dragon Tim Rudman.jpg
Central netted dragon

The central netted dragon is a medium-sized terrestrial lizard with a pale reddish-brown to bright orange-brown body. It gets its name from the dark-chocolate brown, reticulated (net-like) pattern which overlays its head and body. [2] This pattern acts as camouflage, helping the lizard to blend in with its habitat to avoid predators. [1] Its limbs are short and strong, with long toes and strong claws, which allow it to run at great speeds and dig burrows. [1]

The head is short and blunt in comparison to other iguanids and agamids, thought to be related to its herbivorous and burrowing behaviour. [3] The ears are exposed, and a row of enlarged scales curves under each eye. Small spines surround the head. It has a low crest along the top of the neck, a narrow vertebral stripe along the length of the body, and the scales of the body are small and smooth to the touch. [2]

Adult males measure around 25–28 cm from snout to tail, with about 10 cm being snout-to-vent length, and the tail making up the remainder of the length. [1] They are sexually dimorphic, with males being slightly larger overall and having a larger head in relation to their bodies compared to females. [2] This dragon is relatively short- lived in the wild, perhaps living 2-4 yr. [1] [2]

Taxonomy

Charles Walter De Vis first identified Ctenophorus nuchalis in 1884. The Ctenophorus (comb-bearing dragons) genus contains the most diverse group of dragons in Australia. Many of these have been grouped by a similar morphology.

Several synonyms exist for this species: [1]

Distribution

Central netted dragons are found throughout the desert plains of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Queensland and New South Wales. [2] They are abundant in open, sandy areas with sparse vegetation, and surveys have found this species increases in abundance in grazed areas and likewise may increase in cleared or burnt areas. [1] [4]

Ecology and habitat

Example of habitat of the central netted dragon Red Earth Desert.jpg
Example of habitat of the central netted dragon

Central netted dragons are burrowing, diurnal (day-active), and terrestrial (ground-dwelling), spending their days basking on logs, stones and termite mounds. Like the majority of reptiles, they are ectotherms, relying on their environment to regulate their body temperature (that averages 36.1 °C). [3] A dragon's day will start with basking in the sun to raise its body temperature to gain energy. Without adequate body heat, these lizards cannot digest their food. [2] When the desert temperature peaks in the middle of the day, they will either retreat to their burrows to cool down, or climb plants to escape the extreme heat. [3]

They are known to have several burrows, typically six to eight, often constructed at the base of stumps of living spinifex ( Triodia ) grasses, or within hillocks such as those formed by dead grass hummocks. [2] [3] These tend to be relatively shallow, dead-end burrows in different parts of their home range, and are used primarily as nocturnal retreats and for predator escape. [3] They will often back-fill the entrance to this burrow to prevent entry by predators, and to keep the heat out. They prefer perches with high vantage points, such as termite mounds (which also serve as a source of food for this insectivore), dirt hills, logs, and fence posts. [2]

Vegetation cover is an important part of the ecology of the central netted dragon. The species predominates in areas of low vegetation, for example, following a period of drought when Spinifex has died back and ground cover is sparse (<10%). [5]

As with many of the dragon species, central netted dragons will communicate with other members of their species by bobbing their heads and waving their legs. Males can be quite territorial, and will use these display signs to intimidate rival males, in an attempt to ward off any potential takeover bids. [2]

Reproduction

Central netted dragons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than give birth to live offspring. Females are known to lay two or three clutches of two to six eggs, typically during spring and summer depending on the location and conditions. During the breeding season, male dragons actively defend territories and often fight with other males for dominance. [3]

They have annual lifecycles, with adults predominating during the breeding season and juveniles predominating in other seasons. Juveniles typically attain sexual maturity after winter at 5-6 mo of age. The timing of reproduction is dictated primarily by rainfall, with breeding occurring predictably after winter rains in the southern part of its range, and in late summer following cyclonic rains in the Pilbara region further north. It may also breed in spring in the latter region, but only if winter rain has been substantial. Rainfall appears to be tied to enhanced survival, growth, and possibly clutch size and hatching success. [5]

Diet

Perched on a termite mound Gerald and Buff Corsi.jpg
Perched on a termite mound

Central netted dragons have varied diets, consuming mostly insects, but also flowers and other vegetation. They actively hunt, but more often wait for an insect to pass by before striking. In the wild, this dragon's diet consists of 75% insect prey and 25% vegetation, including hogweed ( Zaleya galericulata ) and small flowers, such as aster, daisy and dandelion. It is one of the most herbivorous of Australian desert lizards. Its diet overlaps broadly with that of many other lizards, and it frequently occurs in sympatry with up to 20-30 other reptilian species. [3] Much of its preferred insect prey are primarily found in microhabitats and on bare sand, a large reason why the success of this species relies on low vegetative ground cover. [3]

Predators

Predators of the central netted dragon include larger reptiles, such as goannas and snakes, and birds of prey, as well as the red fox and cats. [5] Burrows act as the primary mechanism of escape, but may facilitate some predators, such as snakes and digging lizards, since burrows are usually simple dead ends. [1]

Threats

This species is tolerant of habitat degradation caused by grazing and is under no major threats at this time. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agamidae</span> Family of lizards

Agamidae is a family of over 300 species of iguanian lizards indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe. Many species are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards.

<i>Ctenophorus</i> Genus of lizards

Ctenophorus is a genus of lizards, commonly known as comb-bearing dragons, in the family Agamidae. The genus contains the most diverse group of dragon lizards in Australia. It is the largest group of Australian lizards and it has an extensive radiation in the arid zones. Many of the species of Ctenophorus have been grouped by a similar morphology. The informal names and groupings within this genus — rock dragon, crevice-dragon, ground-dragon, sand-dragon, and bicycle-dragon — are named after the mythological creature, the dragon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central bearded dragon</span> Species of lizard

The central bearded dragon, also known as the inland bearded dragon, is a species of agamid lizard found in a wide range of arid to semiarid regions of eastern and central Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandhill dunnart</span> Species of marsupial

The sandhill dunnart is a species of small carnivorous Australian marsupial of the family Dasyuridae. It is known from four scattered arid areas of Australia: near Lake Amadeus in Northern Territory, the central Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the southwestern edge of the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia, and at Yellabinna in South Australia.

<i>Ctenophorus reticulatus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus reticulatus, the western netted dragon or western netted ground-dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. It is found in South Australia, Western Australia and southern Northern Territory.

<i>Ctenophorus maculosus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus maculosus, commonly known as the Lake Eyre dragon or salt-lake ground-dragon, is a species of agamid lizard endemic to South Australia. C. maculosus mainly inhabits the edges of salt lakes in South Australia, from which its common names are derived. It survives in this harsh habitat through adaptive mechanisms to tolerate high temperatures and lack of free water. The female C. maculosus possesses unique male rejection techniques which are currently the focus of further research.

<i>Ctenophorus pictus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus pictus, commonly known as the painted ground-dragon or painted dragon, is a species of lizard from the family Agamidae. It is endemic to the drier areas of southern and central Australia.

<i>Ctenophorus mirrityana</i> Species of lizard

The Barrier Range dragon is an agamid lizard which has been newly described (2013) as a separate species from the tawny dragon. This species is endemic to Australia, restricted to just three sites in western New South Wales (NSW).

<i>Ctenophorus fionni</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus fionni, also known as the peninsula dragon, Arcoona rock dragon or peninsula crevice-dragon, is a species of agamid lizard occurring only in South Australia.

<i>Ctenophorus decresii</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus decresii, also known commonly as the tawny dragon or the tawny crevice-dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Australia. The average snout-to-vent length (SVL) of the species is 80.76 mm (3.180 in) with larger individuals being around 89 mm (3.5 in) and smaller individuals around 72 mm (2.8 in). The optimal time for mating in this species is two to three weeks after the females emerge from hibernation. Eggs are typically laid from September to October with most of them being laid earlier in the period. C. decresii is known for its variations in throat colors which change based on environmental conditions. Its primary food sources consist of both vegetation and invertebrates, and it prefers to live in rocky habitats.

<i>Diplodactylus conspicillatus</i> Species of lizard

The variable fat-tailed gecko or burrow-plug gecko is a diplodactylid gecko endemic to central and arid inland areas of Australia. Widespread across the continent, the variable fat-tailed is most commonly found in sandy desert habitats dominated by Spinifex grasses. They have also been bred in captivity by zoos and as pets.

The gibber earless dragon also known as the smooth-snouted earless dragon, is a species of agamid lizard endemic to Australia. It is one of a documented species of the genus Tympanocryptis, a group of small terrestrial lizards that feed off invertebrates and are characterised by the absence of an external ear structure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mallee military dragon</span> Species of lizard

The Mallee military dragon, also commonly known as the Mallee dragon or Mallee sand-dragon, is a species of agamid lizard occurring in the arid parts of southern Australia. The Mallee military dragon's specific name, fordi was named after Dr. Julian Ralph Ford (1932-1987). Dr. Ford was an ornithologist, herpetologist and chemist who worked at the Western Australian Museum. He collected the lizard holotype and many of the paratypes.

<i>Ctenophorus isolepis</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus isolepis, commonly known as the central military dragon, military dragon or military sand dragon, is a species of agamid lizard occurring in the arid parts of central and western Australia.

<i>Ctenophorus caudicinctus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus caudicinctus, commonly known as the ring-tailed dragon or ring-tailed bicycle-dragon is a native species of agamid lizard occurring in rocky ranges and outcrops of Australia. Ctenophorus caudicinctus is most commonly found in the Pilbara region and offshore islands of Western Australia. The ctenophorus has 28 known species in the northern, southern, and western parts of Australia. It is recognized to be the most speciose group of Australian agamids.

Ctenophorus mckenziei, more commonly known as the dwarf-bicycle dragon, is a species of endemic Australian lizard within the family Agamidae and genus Ctenophorus. Originally identified as the agamid Amphibolurus mckenziei, the lizard had been identified within the regions of Western Australia and South Australia in which it occupied the shrubbery and woodland areas as its habitat. It was subsequently transferred to the genus Ctenophorus along with other Agamid species in which it shared similar morphology and characteristics. The name mckenziei is in reference to Norman Leslie Mckenzie, who was a zoologist and discovered the existence of the lizard. Listed on the IUCN red list page, threats to its population numbers are evaluated as least concern; however, their numbers are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and feral predators.

<i>Ctenophorus parviceps</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus parviceps, commonly known as the Gnaraloo heath dragon or northwestern heath dragon is a species of agamid lizard occurring in pale coastal sands and shell grit with open heaths and beach spinifex, between the North West Cape and Carnarvon, Western Australia and on Bernier Island. The Gnaraloo Heath Dragon is a lizard that can be found along the coast of Western Australia between Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay, and is also known as the Northwestern Heath Dragon. It is native to Australia and usually inhabits sandy coastal dunes. The species’ longevity is 3–50 years and its population density is extremely low. The Gnaraloo Heath Dragon is a member of the Agamidae family, which contains 15 genera. The lizard is under the Ctenophorus genus which has up to 33 species. This genus shows the most morphological and ecological diversity out of the three large agamid genera. 83% of the lizards in this genus lack a crest, while 17% possess crests. They are smaller than most agamids but do have relatively large heads. The Gnaraloo Heath Dragon can be differentiated from related species by a series of spines on the tail's base, a pale-grey brown broad vertebral band along its back, and hour-glass bars extending upwards to meet the pale vertebral band. It is usually 45mm in terms of length, measuring from snout to vent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desert egernia</span> Species of lizard

The desert egernia or unadorned desert-skink, desert skink, is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The desert egernia is endemic to the continent of Australia, and is widespread, with populations recorded in all mainland states and territories except the Australian Capital Territory. The desert egernia is found in dry, desert areas with deep, uncompacted sandy/loamy soils and little significant vegetation cover.

<i>Ctenotus leonhardii</i>

Leonhardi's ctenotus, Leonhardi's skink, or common desert ctenotus is a species of skink found in a range of arid and semi-arid regions throughout mainland Australia. The species was named after German anthropologist Moritz von Leonhardi in 1919 and belongs to the Ctenotus genus, one of the largest genera of lizards in Australia.

<i>Diporiphora nobbi</i> Species of lizard

Diporiphora nobbi, also known commonly as the nobbi lashtail or the nobbi, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Horner, P. & Hutchinson, M. 2010. "Ctenophorus nuchalis- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2.". Retrieved 2012-06-05
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Shannon Wild. "CentralNettedDragon.com Archived January 6, 2012, at the Wayback Machine ". Retrieved 2012-06-05
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pianka, Eric (1971). "Comparative ecology of two lizards". Copeia. 1: 129–139. doi:10.2307/1441606.
  4. ↑ "Arid Recovery - Central Netted Dragon". Arid Recovery. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 Dickman, C.R.; Letnic, M.; Mahon, S. (1999). "Population dynamics of two species of dragon lizards in arid Australia: the effects of rainfall". Oecologia. 119: 357–366. doi:10.1007/s004420050796.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.