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to Fauna Index
 This
sun-loving lizard is the reptile emblem of Australia, depicted on our
now defunct two-cent coin This reptile is part of the Dragon family a
sub-species of Lizards They are usually active during the day and move
very fast on their two hind legs
Description
Head and Body Length: to 28cm Total Overall Length: usually 70 cm but
up to 95cm
The colour of the lizard matches the land on which it lives, so a
frilled lizard from one region may be brighter than another. The male
is more colourful than the female They are not poisonous or harmful to
man. In the worst case they might scratch you trying to run up your
leg.
 The
"Frill"
The frill normally lies in folds around the shoulders and neck and is
"activated" by the lizard when frightened by opening its
mouth wide It is supported by a set of cartilaginous rods connected to
the muscles of the tongue and jaws in such a manner that, when the
mouth gapes widely, the frill is extended, ruff-like around the head
(like an umbrella), displaying a broad, rounded expanse of bright
orange and red scales. The frill is also believed to aid in the
regulation of body temperature.
Habitat
Tropical to warm temperate dry forests, woodland and savanna woodland,
usually with an open shrubby or tussock grass understorey, this being
found in Australia northern Queensland and
the Northern Territory
Defence &
Camouflage
With its frill completely folded back and the head, body and tail
touching the bark the frilled lizard perches on tree trunks, fallen or
standing and with its pattern matching the bark so well, it is a very
difficult animal to see. When approached, it circles around the trunk
to the "shadow" side and "sneaks a peek" at you.
5 step defence
plan
1) If it sees danger it slowly cringes
down onto the ground looking like a stout stick, relying on its
natural body colours to act as camouflage
2) If the lizard feels threatened it will
extend its legs and open its mouth widely thus erecting the frill in a
blaze of startling colour.
3) To add to the bluff, it may hiss and
jump towards the threat
4) If the frill and hissing is not
effective the frilled lizard menaces "the threat" by
repeatedly lashing its tail on the ground
5a) The frilled lizard as a last resort
prefers to run rather than fight by making a sudden turn and running
off, on its hind legs, to the nearest tree, which it climbs until out
of reach.
5b) But if forced to fight this lizard
can inflict painful bites with its large canine teeth
Its fearsome bluff though is no match for feral cats its biggest
enemy, brought to Australia by "European" settlement.
Eating
It eats with its frill back and hunts mostly in the trees for insects
(eg.cicadas) but it also descends to the ground to catch other insects
(including ants, which it eats in great numbers from trails and near
the edges of nests), spiders and even small lizards that venture too
close.
Breeding
Matting occurs around September, with the female laying from eight to
23 eggs per clutch in November. Some females can produce two clutches
of eggs in the one season. The hatchlings start appearing usally in
early February weighing around 3 to 5 grams.
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