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Pygopus nigriceps The genus Pygopus are a group of lizards who are more commonly known as the scaly-foots. There are only four currently recognized species of them however here on our central Pilbara coast we only find the species Pygopus nigriceps. Pygopus have an extremely long tail which is significantly longer than is main body. This tail can be discarded if a predator grabs hold of it. Their diet mainly consists of arthropods and spiders are a particular favorite and they will often even eat the spider's egg sacs. Some members of this genus have been observed eating particular native fruits and I would suspect that they all may do this if given the opportunity.   When first encountered in the wild they will often spring their body in the air and act really crazy. If cornered they will sometimes open their mouth in a threat display not unlike the venomous brown snakes. Unfortunately many people kill these harmless lizards as they mistake them for juvenile brown snakes because of their similar black head band across their nape. Pygopus are egg layers and probably have more than one clutch in a single season if conditions are favorable.