Dragon lizard: Characteristics, habitat, and lifestyle

Dragon lizard

There are a large number of animals in the world. Of the simplest, found in every step extremely rare and interesting. One of the striking animals can be called a Dragon lizard.

Dragon lizard or a flying dragon - refers to the subfamily of AfricaVian Agama (Agaminae) and is one of their brightest representatives. 

Definition

The name is caused by lateral skin folds, allowing it to fly at a distance of about 20 meters. This skill was developed by lizards because it lives on the surface of the earth and runs along with the forest debris, in which predators can hide. Adapting to life in tall trees, they solved the problem. This lizard is also called: a dragon, a flying dragon, a flying lizard, and a volatile dragon.

Description

The flying lizard is an inconspicuous animal, very well unified with the tree in which it lives. Immediately, in the first place, due to a small size. The length of the lizard fluctuates from 20 to 40 cm. Most of the body's length is a delicate tail, which, among other things, performs the function of rotation during flight. The torso is narrow in thickness and can reach 5 cm.

 

A distinct feature of this lizard from the others is small grooved folds on both sides of the body. They are attached to the false ribs and are straightened during flight, forming wings. The males have a special fold in the throat and it helps to stabilize the position during the flight. In addition to helping during flight, the throat fold serves to attract females and squeeze opponents.

The second component, preserving their silence in the trees, you can name a brown-gray color with a metallic sheen, which allows merging not only with the trees but also the surrounding landscape. The side membranes on both sides are painted in bright colors, alternating with each other. 

The colors at the top are dispensed into the color range, red, yellow, with different inversions, spots, stripes, and spots. At the bottom, you can see a picture: yellowish and bluish color here, connected to lots of different colors. Speaking of color, it is impossible not to mention the bright colors of the tail, legs, and animal abdomen.

Habitat

The main habitat of volatile lizards can be called:

o    India;

o    Islands of the Malay Archipelago;

o    Borneo island;

o    Malaysia;

o    Most of Southeast Asia.

Living in tropical forests, where there are many tall trees, the crowns of which can be comfortable. It is practically not descending to Earth, just in case of random drop or drop.

Behavioral characteristics

The behavior of volatile dragons is due to the presence of "wings" and the ability to plan more than 20 meters away. It is the presence of folds that cause the accommodation of these reptiles at the height. His favorite height - upper forest level. Even go down just below the bad option.

o    Most of the time, volatile dragons pass motionless. This is because their color helps to remain invisible sitting on the tree without movement. They feed on ants, insect larvae, and adult insects, which are found in their habitat.

o    The moment the volatile dragons see their victim, they leap in his direction and spread the folds. Their goal is to catch an insect in flight and land on the nearby tree. It is possible thanks to good maneuverability in the air, which, in turn, is achieved due to the presence of the tail and the folds under the throat.

One of the characteristics of volatile lizards can be called the presence of their territory. Each flying lizard takes about three trees that it uses for hunting. If an animal is sitting in one of the trees in size not exceeding the flying dragon, it will first try to drive an opponent. external species, and then attacks the invader.

The female dragonfly, in turn, also has a special way of behavior. Although they hold most of the time in the trees, they have to go down and lay eggs on the ground.

With the help of their pointed nose, they dig small holes in which four eggs are based. After that, they buried the mud pits and put them away for the day. After this period, they return to the top.

The most common species

There are around thirty species of volatile dragons. The main ones are:

o    Draco Affinis

o    Draco Biaro.

o    Draco Bimaculatus.

o    DRACO BLANFORDII - Blanford flying dragon.

o    Draco Caerulhians.

o    Draco Cornutus - Flowing Dragon with Horns

 Considering that the lizards of the dragons spend most of the time, in disguise, then they need not be surprised that they are little studied. Scientists have no information on how many dragons live and how long the cubs are hatching from each egg. Small volatile dragons immediately after hatching are known to be able to fly.

Not only proteins, snakes, birds, and fish are flying, but also lizards. Draco Volans or Flying Dragon is a reptile of the Agrosa lizard family (the Afro-Agham Agam subfamily). They are also called flying dragons (Lat. Draco) or even just dragons.

In size, this creature reaches 20-40 centimeters in length, and its unique characters - This is the presence of expressly pronounced "wings". The wings are ridged folds of skin, and thanks to, the lizard can fly at a distance of up to 60 meters.

This is enough for the reptile to be kindly elevated among neighboring trees. Flight is a very useful skill for a lizard that feeds on insects and larvae. This greatly facilitates the search for food and allows to quickly and effectively carry out the search for the prey.

Usually, the lizards are sitting peacefully on the tops of the trees, when they turn their wings, they almost merge with the surrounding landscape. And if necessary, the volatile dragon is climbing down, it can "fly" vertically, and horizontally, and also quickly change the direction of movement. Each individual adult Dragon has his own "hunting ground": a forest area consisting of several trees located in the neighborhood.

Of course, the lizard flies in the full meaning of this word, but rather glides, like a glider or parachute. " Aviation system " These lizards are arranged as follows: they have six enlarged lateral ribs, however, biologists consider to have false nerves, which can extend and spread the "sail" skin (or "wing" for later planning.

Lizards - males have another notable difference in external structure. This is a characteristic throat pouch - skin fold.

The fold of the skin is the main advantage of the male dragon, showing regularly, widely spread, and swelling. Anatomically, this sign is due to the presence of lizard-like projections of bone from the sub bony, which the postbag in the reptile throat can be smelled. Among other things, the skin fold is believed to aid man in the process of flight, the fact that it stabilizes his body.

The Fleece Dragon has a small, narrow, and flattened body. Its torso in its color is usually simple, as a general rule. But the wings on the outside are painted in the most exotic and attractive colors, green, yellow, with a purple chip, with spots, spots, and even stripes. The dragon's "wings" are no less bright, in stained lemon or blue color.

These wonderful representatives of the corners of Southeast Asia live intact civilization lives.

Different types of Volatile dragons are found in the tropical jungle of Southern India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Islands of Sumatra, and Borneo. In addition to Draco Volans, biologists are known about thirty species of volatile dragons. Of these, Draco Volans is the most common and well-known representative of a type, for which he is also called an ordinary volatile dragon.

The belts belong to the suburban reptile lizard family. The family includes about 70 species.

Belts are daily lizards, the size of various family representatives varies from 12 to 70 cm. The belts are inhabited in the stony and arid regions of South Africa; they are also found on the island of Madagascar. The belts live in rocky and semi-desert deserts, shrubs, savanna, savanna, separate types of belts rise in the mountains. Very often, lizards live on rock outlets, among the collaboration of Volans.

Belts differ from other lizards by the presence of large scales that are shaped like rectangular plates that are covered with the bony base of the reptile. Especially large scales on his back, on the belly, he is weaker. The scales, located on the tail, form wide rings (belt), which the family got that "visual" name.

Why beliefs collapse here in such a ring, you will learn under the cut and even watch the video.

The body of the belt is painted light or dark brown; they are also called golden looks. There is a dark pattern on the stomach, which is especially expressed in the chin area.

The belongings of the teeth are homogeneous, pickled. The eyes of the belt are well developed, with a circular pupil, the lids of moveable parted. Separate types of belts have well-developed five-plate tips. According to both sides of the body of the belt, there is a special fold, which is lined with small scales, facilitating, like the Yeretnytsev, the adoption of food, breathing, and laying eggs.

The belts live in groups of stony soil. The belts are active during the day. As a shelter for the belt, serve cracks in the rocks, holes, gaps between the stones.

 

During the danger, the small belief is collapsed by the ball, while the tip of the tail of its teeth is captured, it is also called lizard armor. In this way, the small belief is defended its vulnerable area: the area of ​​the abdomen. 

What is interesting, in this position of the small belt it is impossible to rule out. Some beliefs, at the time of the onset of danger, hide in the grooves between the stones, cling to the claws and swell, resting on the wall of the shelter, in such a way, the belts do not allow the attacker to pull from there.

Most representatives of the family are emergency lizards, but there are also species of eggs. Belts living in the southern part of the range can fall into winter hibernation caused by the fact that the temperature in the summer atmosphere is very high, and in winter, very low. Some types of belts, especially common in the northern part, are not hibernating in winter.

In nature, certain types of belts are driven by insects, other species are completely herbivorous. The largest sizes of which reach 70 cm in length search for small mammals and other lizards that are less than.

It is almost impossible to determine the sexual belonging of the belt vows. But, as a general rule, females are less than males, moreover, females have a lighter head that has a clearly pronounced triangular shape. Male pigeons reach the age of three years.

The life expectancy of the belt is more than 25 years. Small belief in captivity can live from 5 to 7 years.

 All types of belts have their own characteristics and cardinal differences. Therefore, all the limbs are very well developed, while otherwise, they are completely missing or in a highly degraded state (as, for example, Hamzaurov). 

Nutrition belts are also very different for each individual. Some of the representatives of the food conductivity in insects, others completely herbivores. But, the largest belts, whose sizes reach two feet in length, are hunting for the small size mammals and smaller than selves, lizards.

Belts living in the southern regions of the range of their distribution fall into winter hibernation, frozen during cold weather. However, there are also types of belts (mainly in the northern part of their range), which do not go into hibernation in the winter season. 

Different types of belts have various defensive strategies. Especially distinctive can be called self-defense of a small belt. This type of belt does not exist solid scales in the abdomen, reason why this place is the most vulnerable. Therefore, during the premonition of danger, the small belief is collapsed by a ball, biting itself on the tail very hard, so that it is impossible to rule out. Therefore, it is a small belief that will defend its vulnerable place.

Belt type includes the following types and subspecies:

1.      Royal Belts (Small Beliefs, Giant Beliefs, Ordinary Beliefs, East African Beliefs).

2.     Platitavra

3.     Hamzauri.

Each type of belt in turn includes several subspecies.

The separated individuals in the group are susceptible to tearing and easy to fake, even though the remaining family members hide while trying to take in hand. Those who are inclined to communicate can be tamed hand in hand. 

Males are aggressive (in the context of males of other types of belts), therefore only one male remains in the group. Belts allow them to observe, they do not hide. Less fear will also contribute to the shine of the terrarium film, allowing you to see your favorites, and they do not.

For the eastern appearance, a spacious horizontal terrarium is needed (90 liters for a pet, for a group - 180 liters, of course, more). For example, 90cm (width) x 60cm (depth) x 50cm (height) is quite suitable for the group. This species is Social enough, therefore, it is recommended to keep the group. To make the process of changing the skin smoother, a bath is placed in a terrarium.

For lighting, ultraviolet radiation lamps (REPTII GLO 10.0) and incandescent lamps are used, under which pets will be able to heat. Daily mode: 12-14 hours a day. The temperature under the incandescent lamp should reach 35 degrees (this type of sun lover), in the rest of the sections, about 25. Night temperatures should be lower: 20 - 22 degrees. Humidity: 40-60%.

In the home contents of the East African dresses are quite omnivores, and their diet consists mainly of crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers. The insects before feeding were spread with calcium and vitamin additives. The feeder worms should be placed in the feeding capacity so that they do not accidentally mix with the substrate. Feeding frequency for adults: usually once every two to three days. If we see that we eat reluctantly, then we even take a 3-day break.

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

The section will introduce some of the representatives of the ancient reptiles.

Flying Dragon

This is a miniature representation of a fabulous character. From other species and flying lizards, it is distinguished by folds of skin on the sides of the body. They can fly from one tree to another in search of food, at a distance of more than 20 meters. Lives in Southeast Asia.

The flying dragon lizard family includes about 30 species. They are relatively small, up to 21 cm. And the long thin tail is half of the total. The body is painted under the color of the foliage and bark.

In the usual condition, the skin folds on the sides are tightly pressed against the body. In-flight they develop, turning into bright wings of yellow, red, or green. And the dragon becomes like a butterfly.

It is fine to trick in flight, changing direction and height, while the tail performs the function of the steering wheel. The wings do not flap, but allow them to lift gently into the air.

Flying reptile’s lifestyle.

Individual lifestyle places, preferring a thick crown of trees. Food and larvae. And they selves on prey to the end.

Males of a bright yellow male pouch. The female is blue. In hibernation, flying dragons do not fall.

Selection of the female, the male demonstrates all his advantages in front of her: the color of the wings, a throat pouch. And try to convince their kind of "speech".

If courtship is accepted, after a while the female descends to the ground and lays 2-5 eggs in a small recess. She covers with a small layer of earth and leaves her offspring for survival.

Cubs appear two months at a time with all the abilities to exist independently. Life expectancy in flying dragons is up to 5 years.

Handless lizard

Lives in New Guinea. It got its name from the fur folds around the head, which looks like a necklace. It is the body's heat transfer regulator and serves to intimidate enemies. In case of danger, revealed and rises around the head by 30 cm.

The side lizard has an unusual ability to run on its hind legs. At the same time, the body is held vertically. Strong chain legs with sharp claws help run quickly and climb trees.

Attractive outfit

Males reach a size of one meter. The long tail is 2/3 of the entire length. Females are much less.

During the mating period, the male attracts his boss, showing his neck in all his collar in front of her. After mating, it lays in the sand with 8-12 eggs, and approximately ten weeks there are independent offspring.

They lead a single lifestyle. Basically, it lives in trees, but if it doesn't find food there, then it goes down by extraction in the ground. Omnivores: food on plants, rodents, bird eggs.

To scare the enemy, the reading lizard rises to its hind legs, at the same time, it extends its mouth and orange collar (they do not fly). SATS hit a long tail on the ground and run to the enemy. Instantly become an incomprehensible creature. Such a transformation turns into snakes and dogs to fly.

Moloch - Spotted Devil

For a terrifying look, this lizard was named after the Pagan God of Evil, who made sacrifices to himself.

The whole body has (up to 22 cm) is covered with sharp hot spikes. And they are all different magnitudes. The spotted devil can change body color depending on ambient temperature and lighting. Habits and semi-deserts of Australia.

Lead a daily lifestyle. It moves slowly on powerful elongated legs. Lives in Norah dug out of the sand, can be completely broken.

What is the food

Despite the terrifying appearance, The Mole is actually a harmless creature, eating ants exclusively. Catching with long sticky lounge. During the day, there are several thousands of these insects.

The stained color helps to dress up in the sands. In case of danger, Molok bows his head to the enemy, exposing the horny thief on the head. And significantly increases the size of the body, blowing it.

Her body is covered in horny sharp spikes.

Moloch can change their paint in a few minutes by masking under the environment.

How it breeds

Eggs are postponed from September to December. The offspring appear in 3-4 months; the size is less than a centimeter. They grow slowly and only about five years from cubs grow to adult sizes. Live long enough for these reptiles, about twenty years.

Gecko badge

Where it lives

It lives on the islands of Madagascar in the tropics. The unusual leaf-shaped appearance and coloring for the color of the tree bark make it invisible. Tail, with irregularities around the edges and stripes in the middle, is very similar to the dry leaf. This ability of animals is called mimicry (imitation, disguise).

The second name (Satanic Gecko) received the huge red eyes, which look perfectly at night.

The size of these reptiles is 20 to 30 cm. They live in the trees, lead an active nightlife, and the day hides in the foliage. Feed insects.

The female lays two eggs several times a year. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 3 months, depending on the environmental conditions.

IN wildlife The Leaf Gecko lives for about eight years. In a well-equipped terrarium under 20 years.

Small vest lizards

It got the name for ring-shaped scales with sharp spikes, which is looking through the entire body, leaving a small bare patch on the stomach. Inhabiting Africa and Madagascar.

With danger, visual lizards turn into a ring, closing the bare abdomen, and the tail is taken in the mouth. At the same time, sharp spikes rise on the back. This ability resembles echoes.

We are led by the active image existence day. The shelter serves the gaps between rocks and stones. In the dry period, they can fall into hibernation. Live in small groups in which the male is leading.

What a lizard eat

Food is not only plants but also small rodents and even their relatives. They are long-livers, in the wild for 25 years.

The offspring is nobbing once a year. The baby (one to two) is born up to 6 cm. And the capacity for independent living.

All lizards and flying, and no, well tolerate life in captivity in the specially equipped terrarium. You need adequate temperature, diet, and ventilation for each type.

Dragon Lizard or how it is called flying lizard is considered one of the most vivid representatives of the Afro-Agham subfamily. These unique creatures differ in quite miniature sizes and are capable of flight, the peculiar wings.

 

A flying lizard is a sufficiently discreet animal, that due to its smaller size and color is able to merge with the tree. The length of this lizard does not exceed forty centimeters, of which most of which is the tail, which, among other things, performs the function of rotation. The torso in all these creatures is very narrow and is about two inches thick.

Distinctive features

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

Flying Dragon

Another distinctive element is a gray-brown color of individuals with a metallic sheen, which allows the lizards to be completely unnoticeable in the tree. Also, these creatures have two-sided lateral membranes, which alternate with each other and differ in rather bright colors. The upper side of the dragon is mainly overflowing in various colors, including red and yellow hues, which, in turn, are complemented by various splashes, streaks, and spots. As for neither the front side, then there are mainly yellow and blue. Among other things, the brighter, tail and animal legs are also distinguished.

Note! Dragon Lizard is a fairly common type of reptile. That is why the animal is not listed on the lists of species that are under threat of disappearance.

Habitat

For the first time, hearing about a unique being, like the Dragon Flying lizard, many are wondering where this animal lives. Most of the time, this animal can be found in the following places:

o    in India;

o    in Malaysia;

o    on the islands of the Malay Archipelago;

o    on the island of Borneo;

o    in most of Southeast Asia.

On Earth, lizards are practically no descendants.

To get food, the lizard sits in or near a tree and waits for insects to appear. As soon as the insect appears very close to the reptile, she eats it and the animal's bodies do not even happen.