Ctenophorus ornatus

Ctenophorus ornatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Agamidae
Subfamily:	Amphibolurinae
Genus:	Ctenophorus
Species:	C. ornatus
Binomial name
Ctenophorus ornatus Gray, 1845

Ornate Dragon on Wave Rock near Hyden

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 its greatly flattened body, around 290 mm, with a snout-to-vent length of 95 mm, and a distinctly banded tail.

Ctenophorus ornatus is common on granite outcrops, where it shelters under 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; Brian Bush; Brad Maryan; David Robinson (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. pp. 57, 144, 147, 148. ISBN 978-1-920694-74-6. Australias most diverse group of dragons {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)