Common Flying Dragon

Draco volans

Scientific Name: Draco volans
Alternative Name: Common Gliding Lizard
Location: Southeast Asia
Anatomy: See Common Flying Dragon Anatomy

History: This lizard's name is a misnomer, as the creature cannot fly. Instead, this lizard glides with the use of a wide flap of skin called the patagium, which is supported by elongated ribs.¹ They can, however, travel great distances during their glide, roughly five meters for every meter they descend.¹ When not in flight, these creatures can simply fold their wings like a fan and appear somewhat more like normal lizards.

Males have a yellow skin flap under their throats which they flap during mating season to attract females.¹ Females have a blue colored one, which has black speckles on it.²

The Common Flying Dragon species claims territory in the wild, with the males usually having one to three trees of his own territory. In each of these trees, one to three females usually dwell.³ Here, the lizards dwell, waiting for passing insects to eat. Most commonly, they eat ants.³ They climb in trees and do not fly in wind or rain.³ This species can be kept as a pet, but it is recommended that their home is large and well lit, with plenty of places for them to "hide."³

Image © John Sullivan

Physical Description: Usually, these lizards grow no larger than seven to eight inches, or roughly twenty centimeters.¹ Their heads are slightly blunted and short, while they possess five clawed toes.³

1. Common Gliding Lizard: Draco volans
2. Common Flying Lizard. Link Defunct: <http://www.ecologyasia.com/Vertebrates/common_gliding_lizard.htm>
3. Central Pets: Common Flying Dragon

For more information on footnotes and references, please see the Bibliography.