A male Tawny Dragon (Ctenophorus decresii) ignores its parasite load

This poor dragon has at least three huge ticks visible on it -- one on the top of the head, one on the chest, and one in its ear. Yet this clearly didn't deter it from sporting its bright breeding-season colors while basking on a rock in Flinders Ranges National Park.

comments (2)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Thanks for the attention to detail, I would not have spotted the ticks. Posted 9 years ago

John Sullivan

Lion

I didn't spot them when I took the photo. Then I spotted the one on the head while looking through my photos. Then later I spotted the one on the chest. Then later still I spotted the one in the ear. Who knows how many are on the other side? Posted 9 years ago

The Tawny Dragon

''Ctenophorus decresii'', also known as the Tawny Dragon, is a species of lizard commonly found in Australia.

They are a member of the Ctenophorus genus of lizards, which is a very diverse group of lizards found throughout the world. The entire genus of lizards is sexually dimorphic. Neck and overall coloration distinguishes male lizards from female and juvenile lizards.

Most often C. decresii are found in rocky areas throughout Australia. However, their habitat varies as they.. more

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Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by John Sullivan

By John Sullivan

Uploaded Nov 30, 2015. Captured Oct 18, 2015 20:10 in Foot Track, Blinman SA 5730, Australia.

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PENTAX K-3 II
f/14.0
1/160s
ISO400
100mm