Why is the flying dragon a reptile and not a bird. Dragon lizard. Dragon lizard lifestyle and habitat. The spread of the flying lizard

In the tropical rainforests of the southern hemisphere of our planet, there are 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.

Males have a 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 during the 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 eats 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

Its natural 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 forests near human habitation. It does not occur in wild jungles and 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.

The imitation of falling leaves allows animals to soar freely in space without fear of attack by 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 disguised as the only way to survive in the harsh conditions of the wild jungle.

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

Belttails belong to the family of reptiles of the lizard suborder. The family includes about 70 species.

Belttails are diurnal lizards, the size of various members of the family ranges from 12 to 70 cm. Belttails live in the rocky and arid regions of South Africa, and are also found on the island of Madagascar. Belttails live in rocky deserts and semi-deserts, bushes, savannahs, some species of belttails rise high into the mountains. Quite often, lizards live on rocky outcrops, among placers of boulders.

Belt-tails differ from other lizards in the presence of large scales, which look like rectangular plates, which cover the bone base of the reptile. The scales are especially large on the back, on the belly it is less developed. The scales located on the tail form wide rings (girdle), thanks to which the family got its name "Girdletails".

Why the belttails curl into such a ring you will find out under the cut and even watch the video.

The body of the belttails is colored in light or dark brown, due to this coloring they are also called golden belttails. There is a dark pattern on the abdomen, which is especially pronounced in the chin area.

The teeth of the girdletails are homogeneous, pleurodont. The eyes of the girdletails are well developed, with a round pupil, the eyelids are separate and movable. Some species of belttails have well-developed five-fingered limbs. On both sides of the body of the girdletails there is a special fold, which is lined with small scales, which, like spindletails, facilitates eating, breathing and laying eggs.

Belttails live in groups on stony soils. Belttails are active during the daytime. Cracks in rocks, burrows, gaps between stones serve as a refuge for the belttail.

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In times of danger, the small belttail curls up into a ball, while capturing the tip of the tail with its teeth, for which it is also called the armadillo lizard. In this way, the small belttail defends its weak spot - the abdomen. Interestingly, in this position, the small girdle of the tail cannot be separated. Some belttails, at the moment of danger, hide in the gap between the stones, cling to their claws and swell, resting against the walls of the shelter, in this way the belttails do not allow the attacker to pull them out of there.

Most of the members of the family are ovoviviparous lizards, but there are also oviparous species. Belttails living in the southern part of the range can hibernate, this is due to the fact that the ambient temperature is very high in summer and very low in winter. Some species of belttails, especially common in the northern part, do not hibernate in the winter season.

In nature, some species of belttails feed on insects, while other species are completely herbivores. Larger belttails, whose dimensions reach 70 cm in length, prey on small mammals and other lizards that are smaller than themselves.

It is almost impossible to determine the gender of the belted frog. But, as a rule, females are smaller than males, besides, females have a lighter head, which has a distinct triangular shape. Males reach sexual maturity at the age of three.

The life expectancy of belttails is more than 25 years. The Lesser Belttail can live 5-7 years in captivity.

All types of belttails have their own characteristics and cardinal differences. So, in some species of girdletails, all limbs are very well developed, while in others they are completely absent or are in a highly degraded state (as, for example, in chamesaurs). The nutrition of belttails also varies greatly in each individual species. Some of the representatives of the belttails feed on insects, while others are completely herbivorous. But, the largest belt-tails, whose dimensions reach seventy centimeters in length, hunt small mammals and lizards smaller than themselves for food.

Belttails, living in the southern regions of their distribution range, fall into hibernation, freezing during the cold season. However, there are also such species of belttails (mainly in the northern part of their distribution) that do not hibernate in the winter season. Different types of belttails have different defensive strategies. Particularly distinctive of them can be called the self-defense of the small belttail. This type of girdletail lacks hard scaly plates in the abdomen, which is why this place is the most vulnerable. Therefore, during a premonition of danger, the small girdletail curls up into a ball, biting its tail very hard - so that it cannot be separated. This is how the small belttail defends its weak spot.

The belttail genus includes the following species and subspecies:

1. True belttails (small belttail, giant belttail, common belttail, East African belttail).
2. Plasitaurs
3. Hamesaury

Each genus of belttails, in turn, includes several subspecies.

Individuals in the group are tameable and easy to get around, despite the fact that the rest of the family will hide when you try to pick them up. Those who are prone to sociability can be tamed to eat from their hands. Males are aggressive (against the background of males of other belt-tailed species), therefore only one male is kept in the group. Belttails allow you to watch them, do not hide. Less timidity will also be facilitated by pasting the glass of the terrarium with a film, allowing you to see your pets, but they do not see you.

The East African belttail needs a spacious horizontal terrarium (90 liters for one pet, for a group - 180 liters, you can, of course, more). For example, for a group, 90 cm (width) x 60 cm (depth) x 50 cm (height) is quite suitable. This species is quite social, therefore it is recommended to keep the group. In order to make the skin changing process smoother, a bathing tub is placed in the terrarium.

For lighting, lamps with ultraviolet radiation (Repti Glo 10.0) and incandescent lamps are used, under which pets can warm themselves. Daily mode: 12-14 hour day. The temperature under the incandescent lamp should reach 35 degrees (this type loves to sunbathe), in other areas about 25. Night temperatures should be lower: 20 - 22 degrees. Humidity: 40-60%.

In the home, East African belttails are quite omnivorous, and their diet mainly consists of crickets, mealworms and grasshoppers. Insects are sprinkled with calcium and vitamin supplements before feeding. Feeding worms should be placed in a feeding container so that they do not accidentally mix with the substrate. Feeding frequency for adults is usually once every two to three days. If we see that our people were reluctant to eat, then sometimes we even take a break of up to 3 days.

There are many legends and fairy tales associated with dragons in the world, but what if dragon lizards exist in the 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.

Due to their small 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 coloring, 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 of tropical trees, because of this, it is almost impossible to see them 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. In this way, she protects herself from all sorts of 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 the event that the dragon lizard was nevertheless seen, it easily flies to another branch at a very high speed, so even scientists do not always manage to notice it during the flight.

Dragon lizard eating

The dragon lizard is a carnivorous animal. It feeds mainly on small insects, various insects and all the small inhabitants of the tropical forest. 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.

They have a genetic ability to fly, so 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. The varied coloration and unusual structure of the lizard make them popular among lovers of exotic animals.

Not only squirrels, snakes, birds and fish fly, but also lizards. Draco volans or the Flying Dragon is a reptile from the family of agama lizards (a subfamily of Afro-Arabian agamas). They are also called Flying Dragons (lat. Draco) or even simply - dragons.

In size, this creature reaches 20-40 centimeters in length, and its distinguishing feature is the presence of pronounced “wings”. The wings are corrugated skin folds, and thanks to them the lizard is able to fly up to 60 meters.

This is quite enough for the reptile to gracefully soar between neighboring trees. Flying is a very useful skill for a lizard that feeds on insects and grubs. This makes it much easier for her to find food and allows her to quickly and efficiently hunt for prey.

reddit.com/Biophilia_curiosus

Usually lizards perch inconspicuously in the tops of trees - when they fold their wings, they almost blend in with the surrounding landscape. And if necessary, the flying dragon plans down with lightning speed - moreover, it is able to "fly" both vertically and horizontally, as well as quickly change direction. Each adult dragon individual has its own "hunting ground" - a section of the forest, consisting of several trees located in the neighborhood.

reddit.com/Biophilia_curiosus

Of course, the lizard does not fly in the full sense of the word, but rather plans, like a glider or a parachute. 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.

Lizards - males have another noticeable difference in the external structure. This is a characteristic throat bag - a skin fold.

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 bag 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.

reddit.com/Biophilia_curiosus

By itself, the flying dragon has a small, narrow and flattened body. His body is usually uniform in color, usually green. But the wings on the outside are painted in the most exotic and attractive 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.

Where can you find this amazing creation of nature? These wonderful representatives of reptiles live in the untouched corners of Southeast Asia.

Different types of flying dragons are found in the tropical jungles of South India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. In addition to Draco volans, biologists know about thirty more species of flying dragons. Of these, Draco volans is the most common and well-known representative of its kind, for which it is also called an ordinary flying dragon.

Video about dragons ....

The flying dragon is not only a folklore character of various legends and fantasy novels, but also a very real living creature. True, miniature. Dragons got their name due to the ability to fly with the help of a kind of "wings" from tree to tree.

Flying dragons live in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia: on about. Borneo, Sumatra, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and South India. They live in the crowns of trees, where they spend most of their lives. They descend to the ground only in two cases - for laying eggs and if the flight did not work out.

In total, about 30 species of flying dragons are known. The most famous and widespread is Draco volans. These lizards grow no more than 40 centimeters. They have a thin flattened body and a long tail. On the sides are wide leathery folds stretched between six "false" ribs. When they open, a kind of "wings" are formed, with the help of which dragons can plan in the air at a distance of up to 60 meters.

dragon wings
The "false" edges are clearly visible in the figure.

In males, there is a special skin fold on the throat that extends forward. It serves as a body stabilizer during flight.

Throat sac
This skin fold is brightly colored

Flying dragons are hard to spot because their solid coloration (green or taupe) blends into dense foliage or tree bark. But the wings, on the contrary, have a bright and variegated color - red, yellow, bright green, etc.

Brightly colored wings

They can fly both horizontally and vertically and at the same time quickly change the direction of their flight. Each adult has its own territory, consisting of several trees located nearby.

landed

Flight allows these lizards to find new food places. Their main diet includes ants and larvae of other insects.