Black-bearded Flying Lizard

Draco melanopogon

Scientific Name: Draco melanopogon
Location: Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Southern Thailand, Borneo, other Indonesian Islands

History: These lizards are also referred to as "Black-bearded Gliding Lizards," which do just that. They live in rainforests mostly, and can be seen floating from tree to tree. They utilize their patagium in order to glide, thus earning their name as "flying" lizards.² The creature can glide for a substantial distance, about five meters for every one meter of decent.¹

Small insects, such as ants and termites, comprise its diet. The female lizard lays only two eggs in each clutch.²

Physical Description: Usually green, these small lizards have elongated ribs that aid in their flight. Males have a territorial display, either a pouch on their throat or gular flag.

1. Wildlife Singapore: Black-bearded Flying Lizard: Draco melanopogon
2. Black-bearded Gliding Lizard. Link Defunct: <http://www.ecologyasia.com/Vertebrates/black-bearded_gliding_lizard.htm>

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