Frilled Lizard

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The Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is a native Australian species known for the extra layer of skin around the neck.

They are the only species in the Chlamydosaurus genus, which is also a part of the larger old world lizard family, Agamidae.

The neck collar is considered a defense mechanism. When startled or under potential attack, the Frilled Lizard raises the collar around the entire neck, giving it the appearance of being a larger, and hypothethically more dangerous, opponent.

In fact, Frilled Lizards already measure on the larger side for lizards, with many stretching over two feet in length.

Frilled Lizards tend to be aboreal, spending the majority of their time in trees. Their large size makes them an easy to spot prey on the ground while they are searching for food. Also when startled, the Frilled Lizard will rear up on its back to feet and run for the nearest tree.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels