Ctenophorus ornatus

Ctenophorus ornatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Agamidae
Genus:	Ctenophorus
Species:	C. ornatus
Binomial name
Ctenophorus ornatus Gray

Ctenophorus ornatus, the Ornate crevice-dragon, is a species of lizard in the Agamidae family. It is found on granite outcrops of Western Australia.

The species is a member of a diverse genus, Ctenophorus, that contains a group known as Rock dragons. It can be distinguished from the others by the greatly flattened body. This is around 290 millimetres, with a snout to vent length of 95 mm, and a tail that is distinctly banded.

Ctenophorus ornatus is common on granite outcrops, where it shelters unders slabs and boulders, especially in undisturbed areas. When out in the open, often basking on warm rocks, it displays a head-bobbing characteristic seen in many related species.

The distribution range of this species extends from the Goldfields to the Darling Range, and to the southern coastline. It is recorded at the Archipelago of the Recherche, offshore granite islands, and a reddish form is noted in the Murchison district.

References

• Ctenophorus ornatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
• "Distribution of Ctenophorus ornatus". FaunaBase. WA Museum. Retrieved 2008-09-28.
• Browne-Cooper, Robert (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. pp. 57, 144, 147, 148. ISBN 9778 1 920694 74 6. Australias most diverse group of dragons {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: length (help); Cite has empty unknown parameters: |chapterurl= and |month= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)