Ctenophorus caudicinctus (Günther, 1875)

Common Names and Key Traits

Ctenophorus caudicinctus, commonly called the ring-tailed dragon, is recognized for its bright colouration, survival tactics, and sexual dimorphism. Males display brighter colours than females to attract mates.

Colour Variation Factors

An individual’s colour is also affected by its age, the season, and its body temperature.

Size and Distinguishing Spines

This lizard reaches a total length of 25–35 cm, and can be distinguished from other lizards by a line of spines that curves beneath its eyes.

Body and Tail Colouration

Its body colour ranges from pale beige to dark orange, it has distinctive banding around its tail, and its underbelly is white to yellow. It also has a short crest of nuchal spines that varies in colour between individuals.

Auditory Sensory Capability

For sensory perception, Ctenophorus caudicinctus has vestibular hearing.

Inner Ear Hearing Mechanism

Hair cells in the neuroepithelial structures of its inner ear act as receptors: these cells convert mechanical energy from sound-wave-caused displacement of their surroundings into electrochemical energy, and the lizard uses the balance of its head to perceive its surrounding environment.

Habitat and Territoriality

Ctenophorus caudicinctus inhabits rocky, arid areas with low vegetation, and is highly territorial.

Geographic Distribution

It is primarily found in the Hamersley Ranges, Pilbara, MacDonnell Ranges, James Range and Musgrave Ranges in Western Australia.

Reproductive Cycle Drivers

The reproductive cycle of the ring-tailed dragon is timed to favour the best conditions for offspring survival and growth, so reproductive cycles vary annually based on rainfall and food availability.

Breeding Season Timing

Most commonly, Ctenophorus caudicinctus breeds in spring, from September to October.

Pre-Breeding Food Availability

Winter rainfall in the following months stimulates increases in insect populations, which provides abundant food for the lizards.

Reproductive Success Requirements

Adequate food availability supports successful fertilization, spermatogenesis, and healthy reproduction.

Male Spermiogenesis Period

For males, the main spermiogenesis season runs from February to August, as this is when they produce maximum amounts of sperm and conditions are optimal for breeding.

Breeding Maturity Delay

Some males do not mate until they reach maturity, and will delay breeding until the next mating season.

Reproductive Mode

Ctenophorus caudicinctus is oviparous.

Offspring Survival Rate

The number of surviving offspring is lower than the number of eggs produced, because the species provides no maternal egg protection.