Ctenophorus decresii
species of reptile
Ctenophorus decresii, also known commonly as the tawny dragon, tawny crevice-dragon, or tawny rock dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
C. decresii is known for its variations in throat colours which change based on environmental conditions. Its primary food sources consist of both vegetation and invertebrates, and it prefers to live in rocky habitats. The average snout-to-vent length (SVL) of the species is 80.76 mm (3.180 in), with larger individuals being around 89 mm (3.5 in) and smaller individuals around 72 mm (2.8 in). The optimal time for mating in this species is two to three weeks after the females emerge from hibernation. Eggs are typically laid from September to October with most of them being laid earlier in the period.
Etymology and taxonomy
C. decresii is a member of the genus Ctenophorus, which is a very diverse group of lizards found throughout Australia. The specific name, decresii, refers to L'Île de Decrès, which was the French name for Kangaroo Island in 1837. The usual common names for the species are tawny dragon, tawny crevice-dragon, and tawny rock dragon.
The public source identifies “Ctenophorus decresii” as species of reptile. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around Ctenophorus, decresii and species.
Why this record matters
A short description can identify a subject without explaining its stakes. For “Ctenophorus decresii”, the useful work is to connect “species of reptile” to the records capable of establishing context and consequence.
The date and method of observation matter as much as the stated conclusion, especially where classification or consensus has changed. The source revision retrieved here is dated Jun 1, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q3006451. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 1837.
A general summary may omit uncertainty, sample limits or methodological disagreement that is explicit in the technical record. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Check terminology, classification and the date of the cited evidence. Scientific names and technical consensus can change while older records retain historical value.
- Current terminology
- Classification context
- Finding cited technical literature
Primary datasets, specimen catalogues, standards bodies and the most recent peer-reviewed literature.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Ctenophorus decresii”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Ctenophorus decresii primary sources, Ctenophorus decresii archive and Ctenophorus research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Ctenophorus decresii”?
- Which observation, specimen, dataset or publication supports the account?
- Has classification or technical consensus changed since the cited source?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Ctenophorus decresii” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.