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Thorny devil
Moloch - Gray, 1841

Pronunciation: MOLL-ock
Etymology: "I have named this genus, from its appearance, after 'Moloch, horrid king,'" Moloch was a Canaanite god to whom children were sacrificed

Taxonomic notes:

Notes:
Statistics: Reproductive modes:
Oviparous - 1 out of 1 Australian species

Size range:
Smallest Australian species: thorny devil (Moloch horridus) at 9 cm
 Longest Australian species: thorny devil (Moloch horridus) at 9 cm
Number of Australian species: 1
 

thorny devil (Moloch horridus)
Tanami Desert, Northern Territory
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
thorny devil (Moloch horridus) distribution range map Moloch horridus
Thorny devil
Year described
Gray 1841
Description
An unmistakable dragon. Spikes covering most of the body, with a large hump on the neck.

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