Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) Familie: Agamas and Dragons (Agamidae) Orden: Squamates or Scaly Reptiles (Squamata).

Size:  Up to 66 cm. Distribution:  Southern New Guinea and northern and northeastern Australia (Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland). Habitat:  Arboreal, usually perched in trees 1-2 m above ground, or higher during the wet season, but forages and basks on the ground. Food:  Insects and small vertebrates. Activity and behaviour:  During the dry season the lizards are believed to stay in the canopies, explaining the fact that they are mostly seen during the wet season, where they forage on the ground after rain. Often seen basking along (or on!) roads with head held high. Enemies:  When approached on the ground by a predator or a human, the frilled lizard usually tries to avoid being discovered by relying on its camouflage colours and pressing itself against the substrate. If this does not work, for instance if touched, the lizard will either run off on hindlegs or flash its famous defense posture, that is, gaping the mouth, raising the head and spreading the frill, which may measure up to 30 cm across. This behaviour is typical of wild animals, whereas captive specimens loose this habit over time. The frill is also used in social displays. When approached while perched in a tree, the lizard will try to hide by moving to the side of the tree facing away from the observer, just like many other arboreal lizards. Variation:  Lizards from Western Australia and Northern Territory have orange or red in the frill. Those from Queensland are grey or brown. Status:  Not threatened. References: Cogger, H.G. 1996. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Melbourne. 796 pp. Wilson, S. & Swan, G. 2003. A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. 480 pp. Text & layout: Rune Midtgaard

Gallery Home Frilled Lizard in defense posture. © Rune Midtgaard.