Frill-necked lizard

Frill-necked lizard
Scientific classification
Unrecognized taxon (fix):	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Agamidae
Genus:	Chlamydosaurus; Gray, 1827
Species:	C. kingii
Binomial name
	Chlamydosaurus kingii; Gray, 1825
	Range map of frilled-necked lizard

The frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) has a large reptile, thin frill around its head, which it displays in order to frighten enemies. To appear even more impressive, it also opens its mouth wide and often rears up on its hind legs. When frightened, this lizard will run away, using its back-legs only, earning it the nickname, the "bicycle lizard."

Description

These lizards spend most of their life in trees (they are primarily arboreal). They live in the north of Australia and in New Guinea. They inhabit moist tropical and warm-temperate forests and in woodlands with shrubby understory. When displayed, the frill is 9.5-14 inches (24-34 cm) wide. When the lizard is at rest, the frill folds down on its shoulders. Adults are over 8 inches (20 cm) long.

Diet

Frill-necked Lizards are carnivorous (meat-eaters). They eat bugs (like cicadas, ants, spiders, termites) small mammals, and small lizards. They hunt in trees and on the ground.

Reproduction

Females lay 8 to 23 small eggs in an underground nest. These lizards hatch with the ability to be fully independent, hunt and to use their frill.

Frill-necked Lizard Media

Kragenechse (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
A Tree Dragon or Jacky lizard Amphibolurus muricatus , taken in South-eastern Australia.
Anatomy of the frill of Chlamydosaurus kingii
A frilled lizard in a reptile display (frill folded)
Frilled lizard in natural environment, showing camouflage
Frilled lizard in threat display
Frilled lizard from Narrative of a Survey Volume 2, by Phillip Parker King, 1827