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COMMON NAME: Central Netted
Dragon
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ctenophorus nuchalis
FAMILY: Agamidae
GENUS: Ctenophorus
STATUS: Secure
SIZE (cm): 11
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DESCRIPTION: Largest member of C. reticulatus group,
bearing low nuchal crest. Ground colour pale yellowish brown (often
flushed with pale orange on head), marked over head and body with brown,
reddish brown to grey reticulum. Narrow vertebral stripe of ground colour
extends from nape to hips or base of tail. Ventral surfaces whitish,
usually bearing coarse grey reticulum on throat. Breeding males develop
bright orange-red flush over head and throat. SVL 115 mm. Distinguished
from C. reticulatus by colour of claws (pale vs dark), and number and
alignment of femoral and preanal pores: 6-17 arranged in a curve, sweeping
forward to anterior thigh (vs 15-28 arranged in a straight line along
rear of thigh). Differs from C. clayi in attaining much greater size
(SVL 115 vs 50 mm) and in lacking a large black patch on side of neck.
PREFERRED HABITAT: Widespread through semi-arid
to arid areas of all mainland States except Vic. Occurs in most open
habitats, favouring heavy (occasionally stony) reddish sandy soils.
MICROHABITAT: Excavates shallow burrows in sloping
ground, usually at bases of shrubs, hummocks or stumps. These are
situated close to favoured basking perches. Several burrows may be
situated within home range. Burrows occupied during winter inactivity
are plugged with soil.
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