Reproduction

The breeding season runs from September to December. During breeding season the males will actively defend a territory. Other males are prevented from entering this with fierce fights occurring to achieve this.

Each year the female will deposit up to three clutches of eggs. Each clutch includes between 2 and 6 soft-shelled eggs. These eggs are deposited in a small scrape in the sand and then left alone to incubate. Incubation lasts for up to 79 days.

At hatching they are responsible for their own survival and can feed themselves.

Sexual maturity is achieved between five and six months old.

Behavior

Central netted dragons are active by day. They will spend part of this perched on fallen timber, termite mounds and low shrubs basking in the sun.

During the hottest parts of the day they can escape the heat by moving in to their burrow.

These animals are equipped with strong limbs that help to carry them at high speed. They can dig burrows using their strong limbs as well.

To communicate with other central netted dragons they will bob their head or wave their legs.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the central netted dragon include large reptiles such as goannas and snakes along with birds of prey.

Introduced species such as the red fox and feral cat also represent a threat to their survival.

If threatened by a predator they will quickly run for shelter in their burrow. Often they maintain multiple burrows in their range which they can retreat to.

Currently no major threats are presented by humans. They have shown a tolerance for livestock grazing in their habitat. Some populations have even shown an increase once their habitat was grazed, cleared or burnt.

They are present in the pet trade but capture is regulated in Australia so likely not a major threat.

Quick facts

Their names from the net-like pattern of colors which covers their scales.

They are also known as the central netted ground-dragon.