Draco
10 species
Draco is a genus of agamid lizards that are also known as flying lizards, flying dragons or gliding lizards. These lizards are capable of gliding flight via membranes that may be extended to create wings (patagia), formed by an enlarged set of ribs. They are arboreal insectivores.
While not capable of powered flight they often obtain lift in the course of their gliding flights. Glides as long as 60 m (200 ft) have been recorded, over which the animal loses only 10 m (33 ft) in height, which is quite some distance, considering that one lizard is only around 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length, tail included. They are found across Southeast Asia and southern India. and are fairly common in forests, areca gardens, teak plantations and shrub jungle.
Members of Draco are primarily arboreal, inhabiting tropical rainforests, and are almost never found on the forest floor. They are insectivorous, primarily feeding on ants and termites. The colour of the patagium is strongly correlated to the colour of the local falling leaves, likely as camouflage against predatory birds.
Species of Draco are widely distributed in the forests of Southeast Asia, and one species, Draco dussumieri, inhabits Southern India.
Draco is a genus of agamid lizards that are also known as flying lizards, flying dragons or gliding lizards. These lizards are capable of gliding flight via membranes that may be extended to create wings (patagia), formed by an enlarged set of ribs. They are arboreal insectivores.
While not capable of powered flight they often obtain lift in the course of their gliding flights. Glides as long as 60 m (200 ft) have been recorded, over which the animal loses only 10 m (33 ft) in height, which is quite some distance, considering that one lizard is only around 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length, tail included. They are found across Southeast Asia and southern India. and are fairly common in forests, areca gardens, teak plantations and shrub jungle.
Members of Draco are primarily arboreal, inhabiting tropical rainforests, and are almost never found on the forest floor. They are insectivorous, primarily feeding on ants and termites. The colour of the patagium is strongly correlated to the colour of the local falling leaves, likely as camouflage against predatory birds.
Species of Draco are widely distributed in the forests of Southeast Asia, and one species, Draco dussumieri, inhabits Southern India.
