Rankinia diemensis (Mountain Dragon)

Very similar to the Jacky Lizard, but restricted to high elevation, often in areas which receive winter snow.  The main point of difference is the presence of enlarged spiny scales in rows on the back, especially on each side of the base of the tail. The Jacky Lizard has keeled scales all over the back and limbs, but none are markedly longer than the rest. The mouth lining is blue (yellow in the Jacky Lizard).  The two rows of pale blotches along the back are semi-circular in this species and more variable in Jacky Lizard, sometimes semi-circular and sometimes rectangular or trapezoidal.  The colour is variably grey to brown in both species.

Rankinia diemensis is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands  |  Southern Highlands  |  South Coast  |  Greater Sydney  |  Gippsland  |  Grampians  |  Tasmania

Page 1 of 1 - image sightings only

male
enlarged spinose scales on sides of base of tail
juvenile

Species information

  • Rankinia diemensis Scientific name
  • Mountain Dragon Common name
  • Not Sensitive
  • Local native
  • Non-Invasive
  • Up to 1716.5m Recorded at altitude
  • 94 images trained Machine learning
  • External link More information
  • Synonyms

    Tympanocryptis diemensis

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Location information

2,148,925 sightings of 19,884 species in 6,408 locations from 11,278 contributors
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