Ctenophorus ornatus
Encyclopedia
The Ornate Crevice-dragon (Ctenophorus ornatus) is a species of lizard
in the Agamidae
family. It is found on granite outcrops of Western Australia
.
The species is a member of a diverse genus, Ctenophorus
, that contains a group known as rock dragons. It can be distinguished from the others by the greatly flattened body. This is around 290 millimetres, with a snout to vent length of 95 mm, and a tail that is distinctly banded.
Ctenophorus ornatus is common on granite outcrops, where it shelters unders slabs and boulders, especially in undisturbed areas. When out in the open, often basking on warm rocks, it displays a head-bobbing characteristic seen in many related species.
The distribution range
of this species extends from the Goldfields to the Darling Range, and to the southern coastline. It is recorded at the Archipelago of the Recherche
, offshore granite island
s, and a reddish form is noted in the Murchison district.
Lizard
Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with nearly 3800 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica as well as most oceanic island chains...
in the Agamidae
Agamidae
Agamids, lizards of the family Agamidae, include more than 300 species in Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe. Many species are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards. Phylogenetically they may be sister to the Iguanidae, and have a similar appearance. Agamids usually have...
family. It is found on granite outcrops of Western Australia
Granite outcrops of Western Australia
Granite outcrops of Western Australia are inselbergs and monoliths made from granite that are found across much of Western Australia. Rising abruptly from the surrounding landscape they create a variety of microhabitats for plants, and provide seasonal resources and refuge for a range of animals....
.
The species is a member of a diverse genus, Ctenophorus
Ctenophorus
Ctenophorus, also known as comb-bearing dragons, is a genus that contains the most diverse group of dragons in Australia. Many of these have been grouped by a similar morphology...
, that contains a group known as rock dragons. It can be distinguished from the others by the greatly flattened body. This is around 290 millimetres, with a snout to vent length of 95 mm, and a tail that is distinctly banded.
Ctenophorus ornatus is common on granite outcrops, where it shelters unders slabs and boulders, especially in undisturbed areas. When out in the open, often basking on warm rocks, it displays a head-bobbing characteristic seen in many related species.
The distribution range
Range (biology)
In biology, the range or distribution of a species is the geographical area within which that species can be found. Within that range, dispersion is variation in local density.The term is often qualified:...
of this species extends from the Goldfields to the Darling Range, and to the southern coastline. It is recorded at the Archipelago of the Recherche
Archipelago of the Recherche
Archipelago of the Recherche is a group of 105 islands, and over 1200 "obstacles to shipping", off the southern coast of Western Australia. The islands, also known as the Recherche Archipelago, stretch from East to West and to off-shore....
, offshore granite island
Island
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
s, and a reddish form is noted in the Murchison district.