Wild Fact #849 – Puff the Magic Dragon? – Flying Dragon
Since it was -20 degrees in the Yukon today I figured I could use a tropical vacation, so we are all heading to the tropical rain-forest of Southeast Asia. I am sure if we look closely we will see some pretty cool things but if we are really lucky we might catch a glimpse of a Flying Dragon. Of course I am not talking about the kind of dragon that is guarding a Princess in a castle. At least I don’t think they are used as guards!
These flying dragons are just slightly less than 30 cm (12″) in length and are capable of gliding about 30′. Although, these little guys do not breathe fire they do have a set of false ribs covered with a flap of skin. When the lizard expands their ribs these flaps turn into “wings” and allow the reptile to move from tree to tree. Since the flying dragon spend the majority of their lives in the trees it is easy to see the importance of these wings. If you are hoping to catch one of these guys “flying” in the trees then you best pick a nice, calm day since they don’t usually glide in the rain or wind.
Flying lizards are actually a territorial animal and the male of the species will usually claim two or three trees as their Tropical Condo. Interestingly enough the male will allow one to three female lizards to live in each tree. As usual, the male will show off when they spot a female by spreading his wings and doing some “fancy dancing”! For the record, “fancy dancing” is not the scientific term. I think the flying and housing habits of this dragon make it much more interesting than the fire-breathing, Princess guarding, dragons found in fairy tales, such as in Shrek! For some reason I had that red dragon that Donkey marries in my head the whole time I was writing this Wild Fact!
Flying Dragon Fast Facts – The female flying dragon will only visit the forest floor to lay her eggs in the soil. The rest of the time she will hang out high in the trees.
Photo from Michigan Science Art
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March 23rd, 2010 at 3:06 AM
Cool! I can’t decide if it looks like a butterfly (moth) or a frisbee. I’ve never heard of this little guy before.
Very interesting Nathan!
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Nathan Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:52 PM
hahaha… I like the Frisbee comparison.
It is definitely one more cool animal that can be found in the rainforest.
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March 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 AM
I’ve heard of these flying guys before – they are great lizards! I especially love the first picture – whoever shot it either had a lot of practice shooting moving objects, or was just plain lucky!
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Nathan Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:53 PM
My thoughts exactly about the pictures. You would love to have this dragon around your house since they too feed on ants. All kinds of cool animals to help out with an ant problem.
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March 23rd, 2010 at 3:43 PM
Migosh! I’m soooo sorry that I haven’t been able to get here in like forever! I’ve been so busy with an assessment type thing in History. It’s called the CBA and it stands for Classroom Based Assessment. But I’m finally done, so now I can come here more often!
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Nathan Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:54 PM
No Worries, Anml_lvr! Glad to have you back. I hope your CBA went well.
Hopefully your school work is going well and will ease up a bit for you.
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August 19th, 2010 at 3:43 AM
Oh! A Flying Lizard! ^_^ I saw A few of these When I was a Child I remember my Brother Caught them near the house of my Grandmother hehhe cute creatures! Oh! and by the Way they also can be seen here in the Philippines the ones that are cought by my brothers are seen in the forest of Rizal Province and the Spicies that are found here are named by the National hero of the Philippines Dr. Jose Rizal, the Lizard is named after him “Draco Rizali”
i have found pictures taken by a person, but he said it was dead
http://bobeye.multiply.com/photos/album/199/Draco_Rizali_Flying_Lizard
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Nathan Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 7:07 PM
Thanks for stopping by Wild Facts and sharing the incredible story. It is great to know that they can be found in the Philippines as well. I am envious that you had the privilege of witnessing these beautiful creatures first hand while you were growing up. They must be quite the site in person.
Thanks again for passion along the additional information. Useful info is always appreciated and encouraged here at Wild Facts!
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August 26th, 2010 at 6:29 AM
Hehe! No Problem! ^_^ Actually When I found out your Web SIte, It Imediately Catches my Interest! It’s a Great Web Site, It’s a Place where to gather More info about animals in Every Specie ^_^ I love your site! Keep it up!
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Nathan Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Thanks for the support, Kankiruminamoto! I really do appreciate it. If you ever have any questions or would like to have more information on an animal than please don’t hesitate to e-mail or comment on the blog.
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