Central Netted Dragon

A Central Netted Dragon on a fallen log

Scientific Name: Ctenophorus nuchalis

Size: Snout Vent Length 120 mm; Total Length 265 mm

What does it look like?

The Central Netted Dragon is small and stocky, with large, rounded head, short limbs and tapering tail. Spines scattered on sides of neck. Light orange-brown to reddish-brown above with white to creamish-yellow mid-vertebral stripe from nape to base of tail, and series of transversally aligned similarly coloured spots, forming reticulated (netted) pattern. Back of head and nape has thin, spiny scales. Underparts whitish with grey marbling, and sexually active males flushed with orange.

Where is it found?

Drier mainland Australia, from WA coast, east through NT and SA, to south-western Qld and north-western NSW. Absent from south, north and east.

What are its habitats & habits?

Favours open, semi-arid to arid areas, where it is active throughout the day, and shelters at night in burrows at bases of shrubs and tree stumps. Feeds on invertebrates, including ants, termites and beetles, and fruits and flowers. Oviparous, laying up to 3 clutches in a year, each containing 2–6 soft-shelled eggs.

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A Naturalist's Guide to the Reptiles of Australia (2nd Edition) cover

This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia

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