Earless dragons

This is a little dragon. There are 9 species throughout Australia. This Blotch-tailed dragon belongs to a group of 3 species. This is one tough little dragon living in the stony deserts.

They are approx 55mm in length from snout to vent.

Widespread through the interior of WA

Shelters in shallow burrows or small depressions on the ground.

It is active in the day and capable of with standing some of Australia's hottest temperatures.

This is the Olga's and surrounding habitat in central Australia in the Northern Territory where this dragon was photographed.

The ear opening is covered with skin not open like in other dragons.

They have a blunt nose and scaly skin with spines scattered over their body.

Its tail is relatively short and banded or blotched.

Different dragons have different defenses. Some run on their hind legs, some run up the nearest tree or highest rock, others stand their ground and hiss. This little one lies down flat on the ground and hopes you don't notice it as its colours blend in with the rocks and red dirt.

Go Here to see our video of this little dragon at the Olga's in the Northern Territory.

What do they eat?

They are insect eaters. They are not as active as other dragons eating ants etc as they walk by.

This ant in the photograph on the left was taken at the Olga's.

Text
"Australian Reptiles A Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia" by Stephen K Wilson, David G Knowles.