Amphibolurus norrisi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amphibolurus norrisi |
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Amphibolurus
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norrisi
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The Mallee heath dragon (scientific name: Amphibolurus norrisi) is a special type of lizard found only in Australia. It's a semi-arboreal lizard, meaning it spends time both on the ground and in trees or bushes. People also call it Norris's dragon or the Mallee heath lashtail.
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Discovering the Mallee Heath Dragon
Scientists first officially described the Mallee heath dragon in 1984. Two researchers, Witten and Coventry, published its description. Later, in 2015, another scientist named Hoser updated this information. The very first Mallee heath dragon specimen used for study was collected by Coventry and Norris in 1978. It is now kept at the Museum of Victoria.
What Does a Mallee Heath Dragon Look Like?
The Mallee heath dragon is mostly pale grey. It has darker grey stripes along its sides. A single dark stripe runs down its back. This back stripe has smaller lines that sometimes connect to the side stripes. This makes the lighter grey body color look like small blotches.
These patterns continue onto its tail. They slowly turn into cross bands near the tail's tip. The dragon also has a dark line from its nose to its ear. Above this, a light line goes from behind its eye to its ear.
Its scales on the back are larger and have a ridge, like a keel on a boat. The back scales run parallel to the scales on its spine. Its back legs are about 75% as long as its tail. The tail is twice as long as its snout (nose). The snout itself is about 110 millimeters (about 4.3 inches) long.
When this dragon feels threatened, it can run very fast on its two back legs!
Where Do Mallee Heath Dragons Live?
Mallee heath dragons are mostly found in western Victoria and nearby areas of South Australia. Their home also stretches along the coast of the Great Australian Bight. A small number are found in Western Australia.
They usually live in areas called the Mallee. These places are often Mallee heathlands, which are dry areas with low, shrubby plants.
What Do Mallee Heath Dragons Eat?
Scientists don't have a lot of specific information about what Mallee heath dragons eat. However, they can guess based on what other similar Amphibolurus lizards eat.
Mallee heath dragons likely eat small arthropods. These include insects like grasshoppers and beetles, as well as spiders. Scientists have seen them eat these in labs. It's believed they would eat most small arthropods they can find.
How Are Mallee Heath Dragons Protected?
The Mallee heath dragon is listed as "least concern" by the IUCN Red List. This means that scientists believe there are enough of them in the wild. Because of this, no special conservation work is currently being done to protect them.
