By Desrae Clarke
It is so exciting to receive observations from those in the community interested in natural history.
This excitement escalates when the observation is unusual, infrequent, rare, educational or out of a known area.
The sighting of a Western Netted Dragon (Ctenophorus reticulatus) in the Toodyay area is one such sighting, as Toodyay is the most southerly area in which this little critter resides. Two such sightings within our shire in the past have been positively identified by the late naturalist, John Dell AM.
The Western Netted Dragon belongs to the group of rock dragons. It is a little larger than others of its genus at approximately 11cm snout vent length (SVL). This term is of the length from the snout to the junction of the back legs. The total length of approximately 28cms includes the tail, which is about 150 per cent of the SVL.
Western Netted Dragon. Photo by Lyn Johnson
The Western Netted Dragon is found in the southern half of Western Australia being south to the central Wheatbelt, eastern Goldfields, Nullarbor and to the western interior of South Australia. It may also be found on Dirk Hartog Island.
This species favours heavy, stony soils in sparsely covered woodlands with minimal low ground cover.
It can be found beneath isolated stones, boulders, exfoliating granite, under logs, behind the bark of fallen trees or in a shallow burrow or depression.
Its broad, fleshy and sticky tongue is ideal for ambushing insects in the vicinity of the burrow entrance.
Its diet consists of approximately 75 per cent insects and 25 per cent plants and flowers.
The relatively common Western Bearded Dragon is found within our shire, but as quoted by John, “do not live in burrows, although the female will dig a short burrow in which to lay her eggs.”
The male of the species is a red colouring with black reticula (a net-like patterning), with the female lighter in colour and the juvenile an olive-grey. The dragon has strong, short limbs and dark-coloured claws. It has obvious ear holes (Tympanum).
As with other dragon species, the Western Netted Dragon lays eggs. She may lay up to three clutches in a season, with each clutch from two to six eggs.
The male will vigorously defend its territory.
It was noted by photographer, Lyn, that although she had protected the surrounding area of her visitor against being preyed upon by birds, she found the little reptile perched in the sun on a nearby stump.
The Toodyay Naturalists’ Club welcomes sightings and observations of flora, fauna and all areas of natural history. To add your sightings, email secretary@toodyaynats.org.au or submit a sighting via our online form.
