Flying Dragon Lizard
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Reptiles (Reptilia)
- Dietary Niche: Insectivore (Ants, termites)
- Max Speed: 20 km/h (12 mph) gliding
- Adult Weight: 10 - 20 grams
- Typical Lifespan: 5 - 8 years
- Primary Habitat: Tropical rainforest canopies, secondary forests
- Native Region: Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Draco |
| Species Binomial | Draco volans |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Draco Lizard is a small tree-dwelling reptile famous for its ability to glide between trees. They possess wing-like flaps of skin supported by elongated rib bones, which they expand to take flight.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Features wing-like flaps (patagia) with yellow-black patterning, a slender body, a long thin tail, and a bright yellow dewlap (throat fan) in males.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Arboreal. They rarely descend to the ground, only doing so to lay eggs. They communicate by bobbing their heads and flaring their throat fans.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Sit on lower tree trunks, capturing ants and termites passing on the bark.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Females descend to the ground, dig a small sand hole, lay 1-5 eggs, and bury them, returning immediately to the canopy.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Least Concern. Widespread and common, though sensitive to tree clearing.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- They can glide distances of up to 60 meters (200 feet) between tree trunks, adjusting direction with their tail.
- Their 'wings' are not modified hands, but are skin membranes supported by six elongated rib bones.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Flying Dragon Lizard.
The Flying Dragon Lizard is scientifically classified as Draco volans. It belongs to the genus Draco within the family Agamidae, class Reptilia, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Flying Dragon Lizards inhabit Tropical rainforest canopies, secondary forests. Their native geographic range primarily spans Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines).
The Flying Dragon Lizard is classified as a Insectivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Tropical rainforest canopies, secondary forests.
A Flying Dragon Lizard can achieve top speeds of 20 km/h (12 mph) gliding and weighs approximately 10 - 20 grams. Its expected natural lifespan is 5 - 8 years.
The Flying Dragon Lizard (Draco volans) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Flying Dragon Lizard (Draco volans) Species Profile."
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