This drab-colored dragon was catching some of the last warmth of the day in the red sand desert near Monkey Mia. This was the only lizard I saw that afternoon other than the numerous Ctenophorus marmoratus. It took me quite awhile to identify this lizard, because the few photos of Ctenophorus scutulatus that I managed to dig up all showed quite colorful lizards, not dull gray ones like this. Apparently it is one of many lizard species that attain a dark coloration when their body temperatures are lower.

Here is a complete list of the reptiles and frogs I saw on this trip to Western Australia.

The next day I was visiting the lizard population of the Peron Homestead in Peron National park, when I saw a large, speedy lizard racing across the sand. I never did get very close, but I got this one long-distance shot before it raced off again. I couldn't identify the lizard at the time, but from the photograph its identity is clear. You can even see the lozenge marks on its neck and back. (I think "Lozenge-marked Bicycle-dragon" has got to be one of the best lizard names ever.)

Another day later, and I finally got a good look at a nice colorful Ctenophorus scutulatus. This one was along the side of a four-wheel-drive dirt track leading from the Peron Homestead to Cape Peron. This was a popular place for lizards; we also saw a few Dwarf Bearded Dragons and a bunch of Gould's Monitors.

These lizards are not shown on the Peron peninsula in at least some of the reference books, including Wilson & Swan's great field guide. This could be due to insufficient locality records, or it could be that this species has only recently spread onto the peninsula.