Ctenophorus tjantjalka
| Ochre Dragon | |
|---|---|
| |
| Ctenophorus tjantjalka habitats | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Genus: | Ctenophorus |
| Species: | C. tjantjalka
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ctenophorus tjantjalka | |
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Ctenophorus tjantjalka, also known as the ochre dragon,[2][4][1] is a species of agamid lizard occurring on low, weathered, crumbling outcrops and stony hills in arid South Australia, from the Painted Hills north-west to the base of the Everard Ranges.[4]
Taxonomy
Ctenophorus tjantjalka is a saxicolous ecomorph, agamid lizard, belonging to the Ctenophporus decresii group.
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Suborder | Iguana |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Ctenophorus |
| Species | C. tjantjalka |
Description
C. tjantjalka or Ochre Dragon is characterized as a robust, moderate-sized lizard which differs from other Ctenophorus species on the basis of having the smallest snout length (73mm), lack of banding on tail and presence of vertebral keel.[5] The body of the lizard is depressed with proportionately large forelimbs.[6]
Habitat And Distribution
The physical and behavioral traits of the Ctenophorus species vary depending on their respective habitats within Australia.[7] This lizard inhabits the interior regions of South Australia, widespread between the Idulkana Range and Oodnadatta in the North, and Coober Pedy and Davenport Range in the South.[8]
All specimens are found located either within or at close proximity to rocky areas.[8]
Behavior And Diet
Members of the C. Decresii Species group portray sexually dimorphic dorsal coloration.[9] Male C. Tjantjalka are uniform light blue with salmon flanks and lack the dark lateral bands on the tail, while females have presence of pale spots.[10] They Feed on ants in arid zones.[11]
References
- ^ a b Melville, J.; Hutchinson, M.; Robertson, P.; Michael, D. (2018). "Ctenophorus tjantjalka". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T170388A83322812. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T170388A83322812.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Ctenophorus tjantjalka Johnston, 1992". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Ctenophorus tjantjalka Johnston, 1992". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ a b Wilson, S., Swan, G. (2013) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, New Holland Publishers, Sydney, New South Wales, ISBN 9781921517280
- ^ Wilson, S. K., & Swan, G. (2013). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers.
- ^ Johnston, G.R. (1992). "Ctenophorus Tjantjalka, A New Dragon Lizard (Lacertilia: Agamidae) From Northern South Australia". Record. S. Aust. Museum: 52–54.
- ^ Ramos, Jose A.; Peters, Richard A. (10 December 2021). "Territorial Displays of the Ctenophorus decresii Complex: A Story of Local Adaptations". Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 9. doi:10.3389/fevo.2021.731705. ISSN 2296-701X.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ a b Johnston, G.R. (1992). "Ctenophorus Tjantjalka, A New Dragon Lizard (Lacertilia: Agamidae) From Northern South Australia". Record. S. Aust. Museum: 54.
- ^ "Coloration of Lizards".
- ^ Johnston, G.R. (1992). "Ctenophorus Tjantjalka, A New Dragon Lizard (Lacertilia: Agamidae) From Northern South Australia". Record. S. Aust. Museum: 54.
- ^ Abensperg‐Traun, Max; Steven, Dion (1997-03). "Ant‐ and termite‐eating in Australian mammals and lizards: a comparison". Australian Journal of Ecology. 22 (1): 9–17. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.1997.tb00637.x. ISSN 0307-692X.
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