REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: AGAMIDAE: Ctenophorus

Ctenophorus fordi (Storr, 1965)

Mallee dragon

Photos & text by Dr. Robert George Sprackland. Shown is a gravid female specimen from central New South Wales.

Range: Southern Australia in drier, arid and semi-arid environments.

Diagnosis:

Description: A small (5 cm/2.1 inches SVL), smooth scaled lizard with a small head, thin tail, and a pair of black-trimmed white longitudinal lateral stripes on each side of the body that extend along the tail.

An adult male mallee dragon, same location as female seen above.

Natural History:

Reproduction: Mating occurs in September, with egg laying in October and November. Females lay 2-4 eggs that are buried in shallow holes dug in sand.

Taxonomy & Relationships: Ctenophorus comes from the Greek words meaning "comb bearing," in reference to the comb-like "eyelash" scales.

Variation:

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen:

Literature: Click on book to order a copy

Cogger, Harold. 1995. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. 5th edition. Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN: 0-8014-2739-8.

Ehmann, Harald. 1992. Encyclopedia of Australian animals: Reptiles. Angus & Robertson. ISBN: 0-207-17379-6.

Greer, Allen. 1989. The biology & evolution of Australian lizards. Surrey Beatty & Sons. ISBN: 0-949324-21-3.

Hoser, Raymond. 1989. Australian reptiles & frogs. Pierson & Co. ISBN: 0-947068-08-2.