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Here I am late on
Wednesday afternoon finely getting around to writing a post, been a
fullish day, I attended my aqua class then an hour after I get home I
leave again to go with Jessica to the school to talk about Leo going
to high school next year.
Anyway Wednesday is
creature day and today's creature is the Thorny Devil, heard of it,
nope, me neither.
It is a small type of
lizard found in hot Australian desert, it is covered in very sharp
spines between the devils thorns are tiny grooves leading towards its
head. This means that when dew collects on the lizard it can suck the
water from all over its body into its mouth. So if it can't find a
lake to drink from no problem.
It's sharp spines make
it hard for animals hunting it to hold it in their mouths and it's
colouring means it camouflaged against the sand and rocks of the
desert.
If that's not enough
behind its head is a fake head, a knobbly lump with two horns on it,
when in danger the lizard turns its real head down, leaving the fake
head sticking up. So if a predator tries t o attack its real eyes and
brain stay safe.
Because of its
multiple survival methods it can live up to 20 years
Hi Jo-Anne - he's a great little lizard ... they are quite extraordinary creatures ... thanks for this - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI have some co-workers I believe have fake heads too...
ReplyDeleteWe have a similar type of lizard in the desert here called a horned lizard. I used to have one as a pet. They bury themselves down in the sand, too, for additional camouflage. Cute as can be in my eyes. ;)
ReplyDeleteDear Jo-Anne, what a fascinating creature/critter! Thanks for telling us about him. Peace.
ReplyDeleteHilary.......You're welcome, it is extraordinary indeed
ReplyDeleteChris......I so get that
Rita......There are so many interesting creatures in the world
Dee.......You're welcome