Flying dragons (Draco volans). For everyone and everything Why a flying dragon is a reptile and not a bird

flying lizard

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

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Zodiac sign in the eastern horoscope

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

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Schwartz's play

Genus of southern flying lizards with skin folds along the body

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So beloved by the Chinese "dinosaur"

The dragon lizard, or as it is also called the flying lizard, is considered one of the most prominent representatives subfamilies of Afro-Arabian Agamas. These unique creatures are different enough miniature size, and are able to fly, thanks to the peculiar wings.

The flying lizard is a fairly inconspicuous animal, which, due to its small size and color, is able to merge with a tree. The length of this lizard does not exceed forty centimeters, of which most of is a tail, which, among other things, during the flight also performs the function of turning. The body of all these creatures is very narrow and is about five centimeters thick.

Distinctive features

A distinctive feature of the dragon in the form of a lizard is that it has corrugated folds on both sides of the body, which straighten out during the flight and form wings. The difference between males and females is that the former have a special fold on the throat, which serves as another wing, only to stabilize the position of the body during the flight, as well as to attract females and scare off opponents.

flying Dragon

Another distinctive element is the brown-gray color of individuals with a metallic sheen, which allows the lizards to be completely invisible on the tree. Also, these creatures have lateral membranes on both sides, which alternate one after another and differ quite a bit. bright color. The upper side of the dragon mainly shimmers in various color scheme, which includes red and yellow shades, which in turn are complemented by various inclusions, stripes and spots. As for the lower side, there is mainly yellow and blue. Among other things, the belly, tail and paws of the animal also differ in bright shades.

Note! The dragon lizard is a fairly common type of reptile. That is why the animal is not on the list of endangered species.

habitats

For the first time hearing about such a unique creature as a flying dragon lizard, many are wondering where this animal lives. Most often, this animal can be found in the following places:

• in India;
• in Malaysia;
• on the islands of the Malay Archipelago;
• on the island of Borneo;
• in most of Southeast Asia.

Lizards practically do not descend to the ground

In order to get food for itself, the lizard sits on a tree or near it and waits for the appearance of insects. As soon as the insect appears in close proximity to the reptile, it deftly eats it, and the animal's body does not even move.

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 expectancy 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 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 the ground with a long tail and runs at 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, in the wild they live up to 25 years.

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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flying lizard ( Draco Volans) belongs to the agamic lizard family, scaly order. The specific name Draco volans translates as "common flying Dragon».

Distribution of the flying lizard.

The flying lizard is found in the tropical rainforests of southern India and southeast Asia. This species is distributed in the Philippine Islands, including Borneo.

Habitat of the flying lizard.

The flying lizard is found mostly in the tropics with enough trees for the reptile to live.

External signs of a flying lizard.

The flying lizard has large "wings" - leathery outgrowths on the sides of the body. These formations are supported by elongated ribs. They also have a flap called a dewlap that sits under the head. The body of the flying lizard is very flat and elongated. The male is about 19.5 cm long and the female is 21.2 cm long. The tail is about 11.4 cm long for the male and 13.2 cm for the female.

Distinguished from other Dracos by rectangular brown spots located on the upper part of the wing membranes and black spots below. Males have a bright yellow dewlap. The wings are bluish on the ventral side and brown on the dorsal side. The female has a slightly smaller dewlap and a bluish-gray hue. In addition, on the ventral side, the wings are yellow.

Reproduction of the flying lizard.

The breeding season for flying lizards is presumably December-January. Males and sometimes females show marital behavior. They spread their wings and tremble all over when they collide with each other. The male also fully spreads his wings and in this state bypasses the female three times, inviting to mate. The female builds a nest for eggs, forming a small hole with her head. There are five eggs in the clutch, she fills them with earth, tamping the soil with the pops of her head.

For almost a day, the female actively guards the eggs. Then she leaves the clutch. Development lasts about 32 days. Small flying lizards can immediately fly.

Flying lizard behavior.

Flying lizards hunt during the day. They are active in the morning and afternoon. Flying lizards rest at night. Such life cycle allows you to avoid the daytime period with greatest intensity Sveta. Flying lizards do not fly in the full sense of the word.

They climb trees and jump. While jumping, the lizards spread their wings and glide towards the ground, covering a distance of about 8 meters.

Before flying, lizards turn their heads down towards the ground, gliding through the air helps the lizards move. Lizards do not fly during rainy and windy periods.

To avoid danger, lizards spread their wings and glide down. Adults are extremely mobile and very difficult to catch. When the male encounters other lizard species, he displays several behavioral responses. They partially open their wings, vibrate with their bodies, 4) fully open their wings. Thus, males try to frighten the enemy by showing enlarged body shapes. And the female is attracted by beautiful, spread wings. Males are territorial individuals and actively guard their territory from intrusion, which usually has two or three trees and one to three females. Female lizards are clear contenders for marital relations. Males defend their territory from other males who do not have their own territory and compete for females.

Why lizards can fly?

Flying lizards have adapted to living in trees. The color of the skin of flying dragons is monophonic green, gray-green, gray-brown, merges with the color of the bark and leaves.

This allows them to remain invisible if the lizards are sitting on branches. And the bright "wings" make it possible to freely soar in the air, crossing space at a distance of up to sixty meters. Spread "wings" are painted in green, yellow, purple hues, decorated with spots, speckles and stripes. The lizard does not fly like a bird, but rather glides like a glider or parachute. For flight, these lizards have six enlarged lateral ribs, the so-called false ribs, which, straightening out, put forward a leathery “wing”. In addition, males have a prominent bright orange skin fold in the throat area. In any case, they try to demonstrate to the enemy this hallmark pushing it forward.

Flying dragons practically do not drink, they compensate for the lack of liquid from food. They easily determine the approach of prey by ear. For camouflage, flying lizards fold their wings when perched in trees.

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 lizard the Dragon 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 40-50 cm 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 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 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, various insects and all small inhabitants 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. Territories of this small predator sometimes it 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. Various coloring and the unusual structure of the lizard, make them popular among lovers of exotic animals.