©Phil Lewis
Colours
Distinguishing features
It can be identified by a white to pale grey dorsal surface with black blotches and a white ventral surface with a dark longitudinal dark streak. Black and brown spots are observed throughout its body. This cryptic coloration allows the species to blend into the salt surface it inhabits, and color variations are found depending on the specific population’s environment. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 11.5 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to Males
- Up to 10 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to Females
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It mainly inhabits the edges of salt lakes in South Australia for which it is named. It survives in this harsh habitat through adaptive mechanisms to tolerate high temperatures and lack of free water.
Three habitat characteristics characterize its distribution: a surface crust, a thick layer of dry sand or clay under the crust, and a constant source of humidity. This dragon lizard inhabits the edges of the lakes where it burrows in the damp sediments under the salt crust. (Wikipedia)
