Lizards with wing-like protrusions that give them a dragon-esque appearance capture our imaginations. If you’ve ever wondered if such creatures really exist in nature, you’re in luck. Keep reading to uncover some of Mother Nature’s incredible lizard look-alikes that seem straight out of fantasy books or movies.
In short, yes – there are indeed several species of lizards found around the world that have flap-like skin extensions resembling wings on the sides of their bodies, scales and frills reminiscent of mythical dragons, horns that protrude from their heads, and more.
From the flying dragon of Southeast Asia to the thorny devil of Australia, we’ll explore some of the most fantastical-looking lizards that exist on our planet.
The Flying Dragons of Southeast Asia
Draco Volans – Common Flying Dragon
The Draco volans, also known as the common flying dragon, is a fascinating lizard found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. These lizards have an amazing ability – they can glide through the air using wing-like flaps of skin called patagia.
When extended, these patagia allow the lizard to glide up to 60 feet between trees. Truly an awe-inspiring sight for any nature lover!
The patagia are supported by elongate ribs which gives them their wing-like appearance. The patagia are usually a mottled brown or grey color which provides camouflage as the lizard glides between the trees. The body itself is a brownish green color with yellow spots.
An adult Draco volans can grow up to 9 inches in total length from nose to tail tip.
These lizards are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the upper canopy of the rainforest. Here they hunt for insects and other small prey like spiders, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. They are diurnal and most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
When a Draco volans spots prey, it will launch itself into the air and glide towards it. It can even change direction mid-air by moving its limbs and tail. The patagia provide lift and allow the lizard to gracefully soar between branches. Quite an acrobatic little reptile!
After catching its prey the lizard will return to the tree trunk to consume its meal.
The Draco volans mating season occurs in April and May. Males will display dramatic territorial fights, rearing up on their hind legs and waving their wings. Females lay 5-10 eggs in a nest of leaves glued together with saliva. The eggs hatch after 60 days.
The young can glide immediately after hatching – now that’s a superpower!
Draco Dussumieri – Southern Flying Lizard
Very closely related to Draco volans is Draco dussumieri, also known as the Southern flying lizard. As the name suggests, this species is found in Southern India and Sri Lanka. It prefers drier forest habitats than its Northern cousin.
Like the common flying dragon, Draco dussumieri can glide using patagia. However, its gliding ability is a bit more limited with a glide distance of around 20-30 feet. Still impressive for a tiny lizard! When threatened, it will leap from a branch, spread its patagia, and glide downwards to escape.
The patagia of Draco dussumieri are smaller than Draco volans but brightly colored in shades of orange, yellow or turquoise. The body is brown or grey. Males have a yellow throat patch used to attract females. They grow slightly smaller than the common flying dragon at around 7 inches long.
These agile lizards hunt insects in the trees and are highly territorial. Males engage in dramatic territorial displays, bobbing their heads and showing off their patagia to rivals. Females lay 2-8 eggs which hatch after 65-75 days.
Though not as spectacular as the common flying dragon, Draco dussumieri is still a very cool little lizard. Its ability to transform its ribs into wings and soar between the trees captures the imagination. These flying dragons truly showcase the incredible diversity and adaptions of reptiles!
Horned Lizards of North America
Phrynosoma Cornutum – Texas Horned Lizard
The Texas horned lizard, scientifically known as Phrynosoma cornutum, is a species of horned lizard found in the southern United States and Mexico. It gets its name from the spiny scales protruding from its head that give it a “horned” appearance. Some key facts about the Texas horned lizard:
- Average length reaches up to 8 inches as adults
- Diet consists mainly of ants and other insects
- Their first line of defense is to remain motionless and blend into surroundings
- If threatened further, they can puff up with air, hiss, or squirt an aimed stream of blood from the corners of their eyes
The Texas horned lizard population has declined significantly in recent decades due to factors like habitat loss and the invasion of non-native fire ants, which both compete for food sources and prey on the hatchlings. Various conservation efforts are underway to preserve remaining populations.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, key steps involve protecting open shrublands and harvester ant colonies, controlling invasive species like fire ants, and closely monitoring existing communities of the lizards (1).
Phrynosoma Solare – Regal Horned Lizard
The regal horned lizard (Phrynosoma solare) inhabits arid grasslands and desert areas of southern California, Arizona, and Mexico. Some key features that distinguish it from other horned lizard species:
- Coloration is mostly solid gray or pale yellow, sometimes with rusty spots but no stripes
- Eight dark bands circling the body between yellow stripes
- Heavy, club-like head and body with very short tail
Threats facing the regal horned lizard are similar to the Texas subspecies – habitat degradation from agriculture and urbanization along with proliferation of non-native ants that compete with native ant species. Conservation plans aim to protect remaining native habitat and food sources.
For example, Ant Conservation Areas have been established in some California state parks specifically to preserve harvester ant colonies that are vital foraging grounds for regal horned lizard populations (2).
Careful monitoring of population numbers also helps gauge the lizards’ status and whether conservation efforts are succeeding.
Frilled Dragons of Australia and New Guinea
Chlamydosaurus Kingii – Frilled Neck Lizard
The frilled neck lizard, also called the frilled dragon, is a tree-dwelling lizard found mainly in northern Australia and southern New Guinea that is known for its intimidating frill around its neck, which can be unfurled to startle potential predators.
When the frill is outstretched, this lizard looks remarkably like a small dragon with wings.
Some key facts about the frilled neck lizard:
- It grows up to 90 cm long from head to tail.
- Males have more vibrant colors and a larger frill than females.
- Their frills contain cartilage, not bone, allowing it to be furled and unfurled.
- They are adept climbers and can run bipedally on their hind legs.
The frilled dragon’s wings, while not functional for flight, startle predators when unfurled suddenly with an imposing hiss. When threatened, the lizard gapes its mouth, exposing a bright pink or yellow lining in its mouth. This colorful and frightening display is often enough to scare off predators.
Their first defense is to flee by running on their hind legs or climbing a tree; the frill is a backup mechanism when cornered.
Chlamydosaurus Hastalis – Yap Frilled Lizard
A close relative of Chlamydosaurus kingii is the Yap frilled lizard, found only on Yap Island in Micronesia. It has similar features to the Australian frilled lizard but on a smaller scale, growing only around 50 cm long. Key traits include:
- A large frill that can be unfurled around its neck
- Ability to run on two legs
- Males have a more impressive frill display than females
- Exhibit intimidating mouth gaping when threatened
According to the IUCN Red List, the Yap frilled lizard is classified as Vulnerable due to threats from habitat destruction and the pet trade. Conservation efforts are needed to prevent this spectacular and dragon-like lizard from declining further or going extinct.
| Trait | Frilled Neck Lizard | Yap Frilled Lizard |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Australia/New Guinea | Yap Island, Micronesia |
| Length | Up to 90 cm | Around 50 cm |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
For more on these amazing frilled lizards, check out Chlamydosaurus on Wikipedia.
Thorny Devils of the Australian Outback
Moloch Horridus Physical Adaptations and Habits
The thorny devil, also known as the thorny dragon or Moloch horridus, is a fascinating lizard found in the deserts of Australia. This incredible creature has evolved some amazing physical adaptations and behaviors to help it thrive in the harsh conditions of the outback (Australian Museum).
One of the thorny devil’s most distinctive features are the thorny scales covering its body, which act as camouflage against predators. These spiky protrusions break up the lizard’s outline so it blends into the scrubland vegetation.
The thorny scales also serve to defend against predators trying to swallow them. When frightened, the thorny devil can compress its body to appear even spikier (Australian Museum).
The thorny devil has evolved to survive on minimal water in the dry interior of Australia. It has a ridged, grooved skin that channels any moisture towards its mouth. Amazingly, the thorny devil can suck water up from damp sand using capillary action through its skin!
It rarely drinks standing water, getting all the moisture it needs from the vegetation and insects it eats (Australian Museum).
To deal with extreme desert heat, the thorny devil adopts a number of behavioral adaptations. It emerges from its burrow during the morning when temperatures are cool, becoming active through the day. If temperatures become too hot, the lizard will burrow into the sand to avoid overheating its body.
At night, the thorny devil emerges again to forage for food (Australian Museum).
The thorny devil is an ambush predator that eats ants and termites. Its slow, patient hunting technique involves sitting motionless near ant trails waiting for prey to pass by. When an ant or termite gets close, the lizard quickly snaps it up with its long, sticky tongue that can shoot out up to 10 centimeters.
The thorny devil has grooved tooth plates in its mouth that help grind up the hard bodies of ants and termites (Australian Museum).
Researchers have recorded thorny devils eating thousands of ants in one sitting! This ability to eat so many ants gives the thorny devil its other common name of “moloch” which means “king” in Hebrew (National Geographic).
The thorny devil truly is the king of surviving in the harsh Australian outback thanks to its incredible physical and behavioral adaptations.
Conclusion
While true fire-breathing dragons may only exist in legends and fantasy worlds, our planet harbors some remarkably dragon-like lizards – from winged gliders to spiky horned beasts. With flaps of skin that enable aerial maneuvers, intricate frills around their necks, armored scales, and devilish horns, these exotic reptiles showcase the boundless creativity of natural selection.
If you seek living creatures that approach mythological dragons in appearance and abilities, look no further than these extraordinary squamates.
