Scientific classification: The frilled lizard is a member of the family Agamidae, in the order Squamata. It is classified as Chlamydosaurus kingi.
Introduction
The Frilled Lizard is the common name for a large lizard native to the forests of northern Australia and New Guinea. The frilled lizard, which measures up to 90 cm (35 in) in length, lizard facts can run quickly on its hind legs. It feeds primarily on insects, spiders, and small mammals.
Characteristics
The frilled lizard gets its name from a frill, or fold, of skin that runs along each side of its neck. Although other lizard species have frills, those of the frilled lizard are the largest and most elaborate. Normally the frill lies folded over its shoulders, but when frightened the lizard raises the frill with rows of thin cartilage. The skin forms a large, colorful, fanlike collar around its head that measures about 30 cm (about 12 in) in diameter. At the same time the lizard opens its mouth wide and makes loud hissing noises, lizard facts. Even large snakes and hunting dogs may be frightened away by the display.
Defense mechanism
Male frilled lizards also use the frill to defend a territory against other males. The frill contains many blood vessels, which, some biologists believe, help transfer heat and maintain the lizard’s proper body temperature. Lizards have a wide range of defense mechanisms. Recent studies show that a number of types of lizards, including monitors and iguanas, have venom-secreting glands in their mouths but lack specialized teeth for delivering a potent bite. Low doses of venom in their saliva may help subdue small prey, lizard facts. Only two lizards can give a true venomous bite the beaded lizard and the Gila monster. Both lizards have grooves in their teeth to help channel poison from large glands, but they use their venom mainly for defense. Many species of large lizards can defend themselves against attack by biting vigorously.
Mechanism of survival
The diets of frilled lizards vary greatly, depending on species. While most are insectivorous, some, such as the green iguana, are generally herbivorous. The Gila monster, which lives in desert areas, eats reptile and bird eggs as well as small rodents; it also has a fat reserve stored in its tail, lizard facts. Depending on their size, monitors prey on insects, birds and reptiles and their eggs, small mammals, and carrion. One species, the Komodo dragon, is large enough to be a threat to humans.