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Observational report details vertebrate consumption in Ctenophorus dragons, suggesting potential diet expansion.
In the Gawler Ranges region of South Australia I observed a bicycle dragon ( Ctenophorus cristatus ) in the process of consuming a live Jan's banded snake ( Simoselaps bertholdi ). I found this notable because I understood Ctenophorus dragons to be primarily insectivorous. To clarify my understanding of Ctenophorus diets and to provide context to my observation, I undertook a systematic review of the published literature on the diets of Ctenophorus dragons. The literature confirms that Ctenophorus consume primarily invertebrates, mostly ants and termites, as well as some vegetation. Records of vertebrate consumption are extremely rare in the genus but when a vertebrate is recorded, it is always a lizard. This reinforces the significance of anecdotal observations for adding to our knowledge of animal ecology. I encourage individuals who have data or observations on Ctenophorus diets, or unusual dietary observations of any animal, to publish them.
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Daniel Hoops (2026) studied this question.
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