The Central Netted Dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) is one of the most noticeable lizards in central Australia, this dragon is able to exploit a range of habitats, even extremely degraded areas. It is often found living by highways, where it devours the endless supply of insects hit by passing vehicles, subsidised with the leaves and flowers of small herbaceous plants.
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Closeup of the Central netted dragon 
Closeup of the skin of the Central netted dragon 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis)
Elevated areas like rocks, fence posts and tree stumps are favoured basking spots for these diurnally active lizards, whist defending their territory, but they retreat to burrows to cool off in times of excessive heat.
A short-lived lizard, the Central Netted Dragon can survive 5 to 6 years in captivity. In the wild some males will only live 12-18 months.
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) © Greg Sully 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) 
Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis)
- Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Iguania
- Family: Agamidae
- Genus: Ctenophorus
- Species: C. nuchalis
- Binomial name: Ctenophorus nuchalis
