FRILLED-NECK LIZARD
Sarge is our newest baby. We have always been fascinated by these amazing creatures and finally have the chance to work with one. Sarge needs to put on some weight but he is great with handling and will make an amazing educational animal one day.
Common Name: Frilled-Neck Lizard or Frilled Dragon
Scientific Name: Chlamydosaurus kingii
Type: Agamid Lizard
Diet: Insectivore
Average Life Span: 10 years
Size: Up to 3 feet
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Current Population Trend: Unknown
Scientific Name: Chlamydosaurus kingii
Type: Agamid Lizard
Diet: Insectivore
Average Life Span: 10 years
Size: Up to 3 feet
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Current Population Trend: Unknown
About the Frilled-Neck Lizard
The frilled-necked lizard, also known commonly as the frilled lizard, frilled dragon or frilled agama, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Its common names come from the large frill around its neck, which usually stays folded against the lizard's body. C. kingii is largely arboreal, spending the majority of the time in the trees. Its diet consists mainly of insects and small vertebrates. Frilled-neck lizards, or 'frillies' as some call them, will occasionally eat plants as well, although this behavior is uncommon. It is capable of bipedal locomotion.
The frilled-necked lizard, also known commonly as the frilled lizard, frilled dragon or frilled agama, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Its common names come from the large frill around its neck, which usually stays folded against the lizard's body. C. kingii is largely arboreal, spending the majority of the time in the trees. Its diet consists mainly of insects and small vertebrates. Frilled-neck lizards, or 'frillies' as some call them, will occasionally eat plants as well, although this behavior is uncommon. It is capable of bipedal locomotion.
The Frill
The most distinct feature of these lizards is the large ruff of skin which usually lies folded back against its head and neck. The neck frill is supported by long spines of cartilage which are connected to the jaw bones. When the lizard is frightened, it produces a startling deimatic display: it gapes its mouth, exposing a bright pink or yellow lining; it spreads out its frill, displaying bright orange and red scales; raises its body; and sometimes holds its tail above its body. This reaction is used for territorial displays, to discourage predators, and during courtship. The red and orange parts of its frill contain carotenoid pigments. The bones of the frill are modified elongate hyoid types that form rods which expand the frill. Secondarily the frill can serve as a form of camouflage when relaxed; there is no standard coloration to the body, but it is usually darker than the frill.
The most distinct feature of these lizards is the large ruff of skin which usually lies folded back against its head and neck. The neck frill is supported by long spines of cartilage which are connected to the jaw bones. When the lizard is frightened, it produces a startling deimatic display: it gapes its mouth, exposing a bright pink or yellow lining; it spreads out its frill, displaying bright orange and red scales; raises its body; and sometimes holds its tail above its body. This reaction is used for territorial displays, to discourage predators, and during courtship. The red and orange parts of its frill contain carotenoid pigments. The bones of the frill are modified elongate hyoid types that form rods which expand the frill. Secondarily the frill can serve as a form of camouflage when relaxed; there is no standard coloration to the body, but it is usually darker than the frill.
Habitat
The frilled-neck lizard is found mainly in the northern regions of Australia and southern New Guinea. The lizard on rare occasions is found in the lower desert regions of Australia but primarily inhabits humid climates such as those in the tropical savannah woodlands. It tends to be an arboreal lizard, meaning it spends a majority of its time in the trees.The lizard ventures to the floor only in search of food, or to engage in territorial conflicts. The arboreal habitat may be a product of the lizard's diet, which consists mainly of small arthropods and vertebrates (usually smaller lizards). However, the trees are most importantly used for camouflage. Frilled lizards have a cunning habit of moving to the opposite side of the tree trunk they are perched on when approached. If you try to walk around the side they will keep moving around the trunk trying to keep the tree between themselves and the approaching danger.
The frilled-neck lizard is found mainly in the northern regions of Australia and southern New Guinea. The lizard on rare occasions is found in the lower desert regions of Australia but primarily inhabits humid climates such as those in the tropical savannah woodlands. It tends to be an arboreal lizard, meaning it spends a majority of its time in the trees.The lizard ventures to the floor only in search of food, or to engage in territorial conflicts. The arboreal habitat may be a product of the lizard's diet, which consists mainly of small arthropods and vertebrates (usually smaller lizards). However, the trees are most importantly used for camouflage. Frilled lizards have a cunning habit of moving to the opposite side of the tree trunk they are perched on when approached. If you try to walk around the side they will keep moving around the trunk trying to keep the tree between themselves and the approaching danger.
Food/Eating Habits
Like many lizards, frill-necked lizards are carnivores, feeding on cicadas, beetles, termites, and mice. They especially favor butterflies, moths and their larvae. Though insects are their primary source of food, they also consume spiders and occasionally other lizards. Like most members of the agamids (dragons), frill-necked lizards employ an ambush method of hunting, lying in wait for their prey. When the lizards eat, they eat in abundance; these binge periods usually occur during the wet season, when they ingest hundreds to thousands of alate (flying) ants or termites.
Like many lizards, frill-necked lizards are carnivores, feeding on cicadas, beetles, termites, and mice. They especially favor butterflies, moths and their larvae. Though insects are their primary source of food, they also consume spiders and occasionally other lizards. Like most members of the agamids (dragons), frill-necked lizards employ an ambush method of hunting, lying in wait for their prey. When the lizards eat, they eat in abundance; these binge periods usually occur during the wet season, when they ingest hundreds to thousands of alate (flying) ants or termites.
In Entertainment
Because of its unique appearance and behavior, it has often been used in film and television. A frill-necked lizard named "Frank" appeared in the 1990 Disney animated film The Rescuers Down Under. In the 1993 film Jurassic Park, the dinosaur Dilophosaurus was portrayed with a neck frill that raised when attacking, and generated an increase in demand for frill-necked lizards as pets.
Source: Wikipedia
Because of its unique appearance and behavior, it has often been used in film and television. A frill-necked lizard named "Frank" appeared in the 1990 Disney animated film The Rescuers Down Under. In the 1993 film Jurassic Park, the dinosaur Dilophosaurus was portrayed with a neck frill that raised when attacking, and generated an increase in demand for frill-necked lizards as pets.
Source: Wikipedia