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Draco dussumieri
Can you imagine my surprise when I saw this lizard flying from one tree to another? The 'wings' of flying dragons are actually made out of elongated and flexible ribs, with flaps of skin stretched between the bony struts. By expanding this membrane ( pic 4, more properly called a patagium), a flying lizard is able to slow its descent, and glide from one tree to another. While airborne, the lizard is able to steer its flight path such that it makes the perfect landing on a tree trunk. This ability enables these gliders to avoid having to risk facing danger on the ground when trying to move between trees, a problem experienced by their non-gliding relatives. Flying dragons may glide from tree to tree for various reasons: in search of food or mates, to chase away rival males from their territories, or to make a quick escape from arboreal predators. Females are at their most vulnerable when they descend to the ground to lay and bury their eggs, otherwise flying lizards spend virtually all their lives in the trees.
Spotted on Jan 2, 2013
Submitted on Jan 20, 2013
20 Comments
Mona,what you have might be ,"Draco Sumatranus"
Thank you, bear girl.
A spotting that flew right in front of my eyes..........
Thank you Phillips.
I love Dragons! and even more when they glide! Awesome find Hema!
Thanks Jeremy , Sushil and Marc! :)
flying lizards spend virtually all their lives in the trees.
So true Scott. Thank you !
The Southern Flying Lizard Draco dussumieri is an agamid lizard capable of gliding from tree to tree found in the Western Ghats and hill forests of southern India
Wow that is awesome probly my most fave since I've been on this site
Ashish,just saw your link about Lizards from Kerala . You have nailed the Id with
"Draco dussumieri "
Thank you so much . You are awesome.
Ashish, I think that this is a" Draco Sumatranus" in which The males have a yellow triangular flap of skin under the chin, the gular fold, which is used to communicate with other lizards, mostly for mating. Females have a much smaller and blue flap.
i am going to research a little more before I confirm.
Flying Lizzards from Kerala...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draco_dussu...
Can this be...?
http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthr...
Thank you Ava! I thought so too. I could'nt believe my eyes!!
Very cool!
Awesome find
I have narrowed this lizard down to "Draco sumatranus"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Glid...
http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/lizards...
Wonderful spot Hema !