What is a flying dragon lizard. Flying lizard, or flying dragon: reptile photo Horned flying dragon

There are many legends and fairy tales associated with dragons in the world, but what if dragon lizards exist in real world? Present to your attention flying dragon lizard living on the islands of the Malay Archipelago. The dragon lives in the interior of the island, mainly in the forests on the tops of the trees.

This one is not big dragon-like lizard not just named. The thing is that, despite their small size, they resemble the very dragons that artists often depict in various fantasy novels and fairy tales.

Biologists gave dragon lizard name Draco Volans, which means " flying Dragon". Adults do not exceed 40-50cm in size.

Thanks to his big size and the ability to fly, they easily cover long distances, flying from tree to tree. They got the ability to fly thanks to the leather membrane located on the sides; when flying, it stretches and can stay in the air.

The nature and lifestyle of the dragon lizard

On the skeleton of the lizard, one can see enlarged lateral ribs, a very elongated tail, the bone of which gradually narrows at the end.

All this is stretched by a very strong skin membrane, it stretches and straightens during the flight of the lizard, creating an air flow that allows the lizard to plan its flight.

Males have a special hyoid process stretched by the skin near the throat, which during the flight helps them to "aim" and is a bit like the front of the aircraft.

With the help of its coloration, the dragon lizard perfectly camouflages itself in tropical thickets, disguise allows you to merge with the bark of a tree, making it almost invisible.

Due to its coloring, the dragon lizard is perfectly camouflaged in the trees.

lizard dragon animal very subtle and elusive. Thanks to their innate ability to glide in the air and excellent camouflage, they can rightfully be considered excellent hunters.

In nature, there are not many species of lizards that have the ability to fly. The dragon lizard is one of the most common. The species itself is very poorly understood, all because they lead a very hidden lifestyle. Due to the fact that they spend almost all the time of their lives on the tops tropical trees This makes them nearly impossible to see up close.

Because of lizard dragon small creature, it is a target for many predators, for these reasons the lizard very rarely descends to the ground. This is how she protects herself from different kind dangers.

Lizard disguise is another versatile tool that allows you to hunt and hide from other predators. When approaching another predator, the lizard freezes on the bark of a tree, thus it becomes almost impossible to notice it.

But in case the dragon lizard was nevertheless noticed, it easily flies to another branch for a very long time. high speed, therefore, even scientists do not always succeed in noticing it during the flight.

Dragon lizard eating

The dragon lizard is a carnivorous animal. Feeds mainly small insects, different insects and all the small inhabitants of the rainforest. Mostly these are those that live on trees. They have very well developed hearing, and this greatly improves their hunting skills and strategy.

The hunting zones of the lizard are strictly separated, so they periodically have skirmishes over the territory. The territory of this small predator sometimes does not exceed the distance between two trees, to which they fly in search of another butterfly or small caterpillar.

If a victim is found, it spreads its “wings”, stretches out sharp claws and catches on an unsuspecting victim.

They eat very little, they almost do not need water due to the fact that there is always enough of it in their diet. It never descends to the ground in search of prey due to the fact that other predators can almost always squeeze it below, which are not averse to feasting on a small dragon.

Their ability to fly is genetic, therefore, even from the first minutes of life, they can do the usual thing for adult lizards - hunting and searching for prey.

In pet stores you can see a varied number of different dragon lizard species. Various coloring and the unusual structure of the lizard, make them popular among lovers of exotic animals.

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Kingdom: Animals

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Kingdom: Animals

Flying dragons (lat. Draco) - a genus of the subfamily of Afro-Arabian agamas (Agaminae) of the Agamidae family (Agamidae); brings together about thirty Asian species arboreal insectivorous lizards.

This living dragon is not from a fairy tale or from a paleontology textbook. Thin, small (on average 30 cm) long-legged brown-gray lizards sit inconspicuously on the tops of trees, and when they fold their wings, they almost merge with the surrounding landscape. But, their distinguishing feature- this is the presence of clearly expressed "wings". The wings are corrugated skin folds, thanks to which the lizard is able to glide to a distance of up to 60 meters.

The "aviation system" of these lizards is arranged as follows: they have six enlarged lateral ribs - however, biologists consider them to be false ribs - which are able to extend and straighten the skin "sail" (or "wing") for subsequent planning. When the lizard spreads these ribs, the leathery fold between them stretches, turning into wide wings. Dragons cannot flap their “wings” like birds, and they don’t need it - they practically don’t fall to the ground.

If the prey (butterfly, beetle or other flying insect) flies nearby, then the dragon, instantly spreading its “wings”, makes a big jump and grabs the victim in flight, after which it lands on a lower branch. Then he crawls up the tree trunk again, and does it quite briskly. Each adult dragon individual has its own "hunting ground" - a piece of forest, consisting of several trees located in the neighborhood.

Agree, flying is a very useful skill for a lizard that feeds on insects and larvae. This makes it much easier for her to find food and allows her to quickly and efficiently hunt for prey. Moreover, the dragon is able to plan both vertically and horizontally, as well as quickly change the direction of movement, using a long tail, which helps to control the flight, acting as a rudder.

Flying dragons are absolutely harmless and unusually beautifully colored. The head of this lizard is brown or green with a metallic sheen. The skin membrane of the lizard is very brightly colored, the upper side alternates with different colors- green, yellow, with a purple tint, with spots, specks and even stripes. Interestingly, the reverse side of the "wings" of the dragon is no less brightly colored - in a spotted lemon or blue color, and the tail, paws and abdomen are also colorful, which, of course, also adorn this small exotic lizard.

Males can be recognized by their bright orange throat, while females have blue or blue throats. The skin fold is the main advantage of the male dragon, which he regularly demonstrates, widely pushing and sticking it forward. Anatomically, this feature is due to the presence of processes of the hyoid bone of the lizard, due to which the leathery sac on the throat of the reptile can swell so much. Among other things, it is believed that the skin fold helps the male in the process of flight - by stabilizing his body.

Flying dragons live in tropical forests South-East Asia: on about. Borneo, Sumatra, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and South India. They live in the crowns of trees, where they spend most own life. They descend to the ground only as a last resort - if the flight did not work out.

Millions of years ago. Among them there are unusual specimens that amaze with their unique appearance and abilities.

the site will introduce some of the representatives of ancient reptiles.

flying dragon

This is a miniature fairy tale character. It differs from other species and flying lizards by skin folds on the sides of the body. Thanks to them, they can fly from one tree to another in search of food, over a distance of more than 20 meters. They live in Southeast Asia.

The family of flying dragon lizards includes about 30 species. They are relatively small in size - up to 21 cm. Moreover, a long and thin tail is half of the entire length. The body is painted in the color of foliage and bark.

In the normal state, the skin folds on the sides are tightly pressed to the body. In flight, they unfold, turning into bright wings of yellow, red or Green colour. And the dragon becomes like a butterfly.

It maneuvers well in flight, changing direction and height, while the tail acts as a rudder. Wings do not flap, but they allow you to soar smoothly in the air.

flying dragon

Lifestyle of flying reptiles

They lead a solitary life, preferring the dense crown of trees. They also feed on larvae. And they themselves are prey for and.

The throat pouch of the male is bright yellow. The female is blue or of blue color. Flying dragons do not hibernate. They breed throughout the year.

Having chosen a female, the male demonstrates to her all his advantages - the color of the wings, the throat bag. And he tries to convince her with a kind of “speech”.

If courtship is accepted, then after a while the female descends to the ground and lays 2-5 eggs in a small depression. It covers them with a small layer of earth and leaves its offspring to survive.

Cubs appear in two months immediately with all the skills for independent existence. The life span of flying dragons is up to 5 years.

frilled lizard

Lives in New Guinea. It got its name due to the skin fold around the head, which looks like a collar. It is a regulator of body heat exchange and serves to intimidate enemies. In case of danger, it opens and rises around the head by 30 cm.

The frilled lizard has unusual ability run on hind legs. In this case, the body is held vertically. Strong prehensile paws with sharp claws help them run fast and climb trees.

Attractive wearer

Males reach a size of up to one meter. The long tail is 2/3 of the entire length. The females are much smaller.

During the mating season, the male attracts his chosen one, showing her his collar in all its glory. After mating, she lays 8-12 eggs in the sand, and after about ten weeks, independent offspring appear.

They lead a solitary life. They mostly live in trees, but if they do not find food there, then they go down to the ground for prey. Omnivorous - feed on plants, rodents, bird eggs.

To scare the enemy frilled lizard rises on its hind legs, at the same time opens its mouth wide and has an orange collar (does not fly). Hisses, strikes long tail on the ground and runs to the enemy. Instantly transforming into incomprehensible creature. Such a transformation throws snakes and dogs to flight.

Moloch - spotted devil

For its frightening appearance, this lizard was named after the pagan god of evil, to whom sacrifices were made.

Her whole body (up to 22 cm) is covered with sharp horny spikes. And they are all different sizes. The spotted devil has the ability to change body color depending on temperature. environment and lighting. It also lives in the semi-deserts of Australia.

Leads a daily lifestyle. Moves slowly on powerful outstretched legs. Lives in burrows dug in the sand, can completely burrow into it.

What does it eat

Despite the frightening appearance, the Moloch is actually a harmless creature - it feeds exclusively on ants. Catches them with a long sticky tongue. It eats several thousand of these insects per day.

Spotted coloring helps to camouflage well in the sands. In case of danger, Moloch bows his head in front of the enemy, putting forward a horny growth on his head. And significantly increases the size of the body, inflating it.

Her body is covered with sharp horny spikes.

Moloch can change its color within a few minutes, disguising itself as the environment.

How it breeds

Eggs are laid between September and December. The offspring appears after 3-4 months, less than one centimeter in size. They grow slowly and only by about five years old cubs grow to adult size. They live long enough for these reptiles, about twenty years.

leaf gecko

Where do they live

It lives on the islands of Madagascar in the tropics. The unusual leaf-like appearance and coloring similar to the color of the bark of trees makes them invisible. The tail, with irregularities along the edges and veins in the middle, is very similar to a dried leaf. This ability of animals is called mimicry (imitation, disguise).

The second name (satanic gecko) was due to the huge red eyes that see perfectly at night.

The size of these reptiles is 20-30cm. They live in trees, are active night image life, and during the day they hide among the foliage. They feed on insects.

The female lays two eggs several times a year. Incubation period lasts 2-3 months, depending on environmental conditions.

AT wild nature The leaf gecko lives for about eight years. In a well-equipped terrarium up to 20 years.

Small belt-tailed lizards

The name was given for the ring-shaped scales with sharp spikes that encircle the entire body, leaving a small bare area on the stomach. They live in Africa and Madagascar.

In case of danger, belt-tailed lizards curl up into a ring, covering their bare abdomen, and take the tail into their mouths. At the same time, sharp spikes rise on the back. With this ability, they resemble hedgehogs.

During the day they lead an active lifestyle. They take refuge in crevices among rocks and stones. During the dry period, they can hibernate. They live in small groups, in which the male leads.

Belt-tailed lizard video

What do lizards eat

They feed not only on plants, but also on small rodents and even their relatives. They are long-lived, live up to 25 years in the wild.

The offspring are viviparous once a year. Cubs (from one to two) are born up to 6 cm in size and the ability to live independently.

All lizards, both flying and not, tolerate life well in captivity in specially equipped terrariums. You need the appropriate temperature, diet and ventilation for each species.

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In humid tropical forests southern hemisphere Our planet has thousands of species of diverse fauna. The most exotic species of mammals, amphibians and birds live here. Their most striking representative is the dragon lizard. This is a small reptile with wings, which, upon closer inspection, is very reminiscent of the main character of Chinese folklore.

The flying dragon has a relatively small body.

Description of the appearance of a reptile

The winged reptile belongs to the agama lizard family. In the process of evolution, dragons acquired not only the ability to disguise, but also the ability to fly. This miniature animal leads a secluded life in the upper tier of tropical trees and rarely descends to the ground.

The only exception is a failed flight and the need to lay eggs. However, not all representatives of this subfamily breed on the soil surface. Some types of dragons hide their eggs in tree bark. Their small size and inconspicuous color allow them to remain invisible to natural enemies.

Reptiles with the formidable name "flying dragon" do not differ in impressive size, the length of the largest individuals is forty centimeters, and the main part falls on the tail, which during the flight acts as a rudder. Not surprisingly, lizards easily avoid collision with plant branches.

The males have distinguishing feature in the form of a growth

They have a narrow flattened body. There are six elongated ribs on the spine, on which a leathery fold is attached. Straightening, it turns into a kind of cape, which strikes with bright patterns in the form of circles or smooth lines. The unique feature of the structure of the skeleton makes it possible for the reptile to glide above the ground, avoiding falling. In this way, they can cover a distance of more than twenty meters.

Males have a bright orange skin growth on their throat, which they use to attract females to mating season. With it, he scares away other animals that violate the boundaries of his territory, which occupies three or four trees. According to experts, the enlarged hyoid bone helps to stabilize the body during flights. Females are more modest in size, folds of a blue or blue hue.

Features of nutrition and reproduction

The winged lizard is known to feed on insects. Their menu includes:

• tree ants;
• beetles and butterflies;
• termites;
• insect larvae.

Leading a sedentary lifestyle, the flying dragon lizard can wait hours for the appearance of prey. As soon as this happens, the reptile catches and swallows the victim, while not changing the position of the body.

The dragon is eating various butterflies

While hunting for flying insects, it plans between branches and catches prey. Grabbing it with his teeth, he returns to the tree and eats it. The necessary fluid is obtained from food, so the reptile does not need water. Among the natural enemies, the main ones are predatory birds and snakes, from which the lizard hides, merging with the environment.

The flying dragon is an oviparous lizard. During the mating period, the male inflates bright folds, thereby demonstrating to the female his beauty and readiness for procreation. The female lays two to four eggs. To protect them from predators, she buries them in small holes dug in the soil. It camouflages the nest with leaves and dirt. In this, she is helped by a pointed nose, specially adapted for such manipulations.

The reptile guards the masonry for one day, after which it returns to the top. After a few months, the cubs hatch, ready for independent life and having the ability to fly.

The hidden lifestyle does not allow scientists to thoroughly study the lizard. It is not yet known how many babies are born in one individual, as well as how long they live. But the number of these animals is not critical, and they do not fall under the status of protected by law.

habitats

A small harmless reptile is found near the equator and in southeast Asia.

Reptiles live in a number of countries

Habitat her habitat includes:

• Myanmar;
• India;
• Southern China;
• Kalimantan Island (Borneo);
• Malay Islands;
• Indonesia and the Philippines;
• Bangladesh;
• Eastern part of Vietnam and Thailand.

The flying lizard prefers places remote from cities and villages. That is why in the wild it is difficult for a person to meet this exotic animal.

Variety of species

Scientists know about thirty species of winged lizards. Among them, the main ones are:

• ordinary;
• reticulate;
• spotted;
• bloody-bearded;
• five-strip;
• Sumatran;
• horned;
• blanford.

All flying agamic lizards are united by the presence of wings. They differ from each other in size, habitat and different colors. The color palette is determined by the color of the surrounding nature.

Sumatran lizard

Unlike other representatives of its kind, it prefers abandoned parks and degraded woodlands close to human habitation. AT wild jungle and does not occur in remote areas.

The maximum body length is 9 cm.

They are the smallest of the flying dragon family. The length of the body is only nine centimeters, the color gray or brown is almost indistinguishable from the bark of the trees on which they live.

horned dragon

A unique species that lives on the island of Kalimantan. Includes two populations. One of them lives in mangroves, the other prefers lowland rainforests. A remarkable feature of horned lizards is their ability to disguise themselves as falling leaves. The mangrove dragon has red membranes, while its relative is green with a brown tint.

Imitation of falling leaves allows animals to soar freely in space without fear of attack birds of prey. According to scientists, reptiles do not use their camouflage to communicate. Individuals that have migrated to other forest zones acquire the adaptive color of their membranes. In any place of their habitat, they imitate leaf fall.

The ability for divergent evolution distinguishes the miniature lizard from many representatives of the fauna of our planet. Nature endowed them with the ability to fly and masquerade as the only way to survive in harsh conditions wild jungle.

In this video you will learn more about the little dragon:

flying lizard

Alternative descriptions

Giant flying reptile of the Cretaceous and jurassic; flying lizard

Tropical tree lizard with a thin long tail and wide skin folds on the sides, straightening in the form of wings, capable of gliding flight

In the mythology of many peoples, a fantastic image of a winged (sometimes many-headed) fire-breathing serpent

Zodiac sign in the eastern horoscope

Spanish automatic pistol caliber 6.35 mm

International class keel yacht

Sports yacht class

Mythological animal depicted on the state symbols of Iceland

In the East, a good deity associated with water element; in Christianity - a symbol of Satan (mythical)

Circumpolar constellation of the Northern Hemisphere

Schwartz's play

Genus of southern flying lizards with skin folds along the body

Fairy-tale monster in the form of a winged fire-breathing serpent

Fairy pterosaur

Monster in European mythology

Blokhin according to the horoscope

Import Gorynych

International class yacht

Serpent "flamethrower"

An angry person who often screams (colloquial)

Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger Hidden..."

The Chinese imagined him with deer horns, camel head, tiger paws, snake neck and eyes of an evil spirit.

Siegfried bathed in his blood to become invulnerable.

The cat appears first in this play by E. Schwartz

What animal adorned the dragoon flags?

What constellation is the star Thuban in?

Whose tail did the chimera have?

This is the name of the first part of Gumilyov's unfinished cosmogonic poem

Who guarded the Golden Fleece?

Gorynych, who immigrated to China

Mythical animal, the emblem of the Chinese emperor

Winged symbol of the Chinese emperor

Chinese Serpent-Gorynych

Status of the Serpent Gorynych

aquarium fish

Poem by Russian writer A. K. Tolstoy

A play by the Russian playwright E. Schwartz

Reptile genus of lizards

Story Russian writer E. Zamyatina

Fairy-tale animal of the fire-breathing family

Eastern horoscope sign

circumpolar constellation

Fell by the sword of Ilya Muromets

flying monster

Three-Headed Monster

From his mouth - fire

The monster in the horoscope

The Serpent Born to Fly

Racing yacht class

Fire-breathing monster

Constellation

fire-breathing monster

Chinese Serpent Gorynych

fairy tale monster

Sitting on a diet of innocent girls

. "fabulous" name of monitor lizard

Favorite monster of the Chinese

Monster from the eastern horoscope

Dinosaur from Chinese myths

Symbol of this year

fairy monster

Chinese favorite beast lizard

Dragon

Eastern Brother of the Serpent Gorynych

China symbol

Genus of flying lizards

fire-breathing serpent

Chinese fairy monster

fairy creature

Eastern fairy monster

Serpent Gorynych from the eastern horoscope

constellation northern hemisphere

Fairytale winged fire-breathing serpent

aquarium fish

Mythological animal depicted on the state symbols of Iceland

Fairytale monster, fire-breathing serpent

Sports yacht

circumpolar constellation

Lizard

A play by E. Schwartz (1944)

Status of the Serpent Gorynych

. "Fabulous" name of monitor lizard

Serpent "flamethrower"

What animal adorned the dragoon flags

Who guarded the Golden Fleece

M. devil, damn. Fairy winged serpent. Semi-winged lizard of hot countries. The name of one northern constellation. Sea Dragon. fish Trachinus draco. Dragons that belong to him. Dragon's blood, dragon tree resin, bloody color. Dragon head, plant. Dracocephalum. The dragon plant Dracaena. Draconic month astronomical. time of revolution of the moon around the earth, relative to the ascending angle of the lunar path

Ang Lee's film Crouching Tiger Hidden...

Whose tail was the chimera

So beloved by the Chinese "dinosaur"