Ctenophorus fionni

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Ctenophorus fionni
Peninsula Dragon.jpg
A peninsula dragon in captivity

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Ctenophorus
Species:
C. fionni
Binomial name
Ctenophorus fionni
(Procter, 1923)
Synonyms[2]
  • Amphibolurus fionni
    Procter, 1923
  • Ctenophorus fionni
    — Cogger, 2000

Ctenophorus fionni, also known as the peninsula dragon, Arcoona rock dragon or peninsula crevice-dragon, is a species of agamid lizard occurring only in South Australia.[1][2][3][4]

Etymology[]

The specific name, fionni, is in honor of someone called "Fionn", the identity of whom Procter never revealed.[2][5]

Description[]

Adults of C. fionni have a total length (including tail) of 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in). Females range in colour from brown to reddish-brown, with dark mottling. Males tend to have grey backs, brown heads and a multitude of white, cream and yellow-orange spots. The patterns and colours of males can vary drastically between different geographically isolated populations, with each isolated population having its own unique colour/pattern combination.[6]

Distribution[]

The entire range of this species is in South Australia and includes the Eyre Peninsula, the adjacent interior areas (including the Gawler Ranges), and many offshore islands.[1]

Ecology and behaviour[]

This species occurs in the rocky ranges and outcrops.[1] It is diurnal,[7] seeking shelter in narrow rock crevices and perching on prominent protruding rocks. Males often perform displays involving push-ups, tail-coiling, and head-bobbing.[1]

Reproduction[]

The breeding season of C. fionni starts at around spring, when the weather is beginning to warm up. Males in this time of year become very active, showing dominance and fighting for females. Females are known to lay up to 6 eggs, typically during spring and summer depending on the location and conditions.[8]

Diet[]

The peninsula dragon feeds on invertebrates.[7]

Threats[]

There are no known major threats to C. fionni; albeit present in the national pet trade, this is not taking place at levels that would constitute a threat.[1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Melville, J.; Hutchinson, M.; Clemann, N.; Robertson, P. (2018). "Ctenophorus fionni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T83410143A83453703. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T83410143A83453703.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Ctenophorus fionni at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 23 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Peninsula dragon". arod.com.au. Australian Reptile Online Database. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  4. ^ "PENINSULA ROCK DRAGON". www.kingsnake.com. kingsnake.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  5. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Ctenophorus fionni, p. 90).
  6. ^ Wilson, S., Swan, G. (2013) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, New Holland Publishers, Sydney, New South Wales, ISBN 9781921517280
  7. ^ a b Rodda, Gordon H. (2020). Lizards of the World: Natural History and Taxon Accounts. JHU Press. p. 283. ISBN 978-1-4214-3823-8.
  8. ^ Johnston, Greg (December 1999). "Reproductive biology of the peninsula dragon lizard, Ctenophorus fionni". Journal of Herpetology. 33 (4): 697. doi:10.2307/1565588. JSTOR 1565588.

Further reading[]

  • Procter JB (1923). "On New and Rare Reptiles and Batrachians from the Australian Region". Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1923: 1069-1077. (Amphibolurus fionni, new species, pp. 1075-1076, Text-figures 4a, 4b, 4c).
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