There are over 550 species of reptiles that belong to the family of agamids and are commonly known as “dragon lizards”.
Agamids are a family of lizards that are found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe.
These animals are often called dragon lizards or just dragons. But becaus there are so many different species of agamids, they vary greatly in size, shape, and color.
Dragon lizard features
Dragon lizards typically have scaly bodies, well-developed legs, and a moderately long tail.
The average body size ranges from 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches), and the tail is 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) long, though the family varies widely.
The largest species of “dragon” lizard, the Komodo dragon, can grow up to 10 feet!
They have well-developed limbs and strong tails, and their appearance is highly diverse, ranging from brightly colored to heavily spined.
Dragon lizards are typically diurnal and visually-oriented, with good vision and the ability to distinguish between colors in the visual spectrum, as well as in ultraviolet.
Here are some of the most common physical characteristics of agamids:
- Scales: Agamids have scaly skin that is typically smooth or slightly rough. The scales can be arranged in a variety of patterns, and some species have scales that are keeled or spiny. The scales help to protect the lizard’s body from injury and from the sun’s rays.
- Teeth: Agamids have acrodont teeth, which means that their teeth are attached to the edges of their jaws rather than in sockets. This type of teeth is common in lizards and snakes. The teeth help the lizard to grip and tear its prey.
- Eyes: Agamids have good vision and can see in color. They also have a third eyelid that can protect their eyes from dust and debris. The third eyelid is a transparent membrane that covers the eye when the lizard blinks.
- Tail: Agamids have a long tail that they can use for balance, climbing, and storing fat. The tail can also be used as a whip to deter predators.
- Legs: Agamids have well-developed legs that help them to move quickly and easily. The legs are also used for climbing and digging.
In addition to these physical characteristics, agamids also have a number of other adaptations that help them to survive in their environment.
For example, some species have the ability to change their color to camouflage themselves from predators.
Others have the ability to produce venom or to spit a sticky substance at predators, as in the case of monitor lizards.
The physical characteristics of agamids vary depending on the species. For example, the size of the scales, the shape of the head, and the length of the tail can all vary from species to species.
That said, the basic physical characteristics described above are common to all agamids.
Dragon Lizard Species
Some of the most common agamids include:
Frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
Common names: Frilled lizard, Frilled neck lizard, Frilled dragon
Species: C. kingii
Habitat: Australia and New Guinea
Conservation status: Least concern
The frilled lizard is a large lizard found in Australia and New Guinea. It is known for its large, frilled neck that it can expand to scare off predators.
The frill is made up of several rows of spines that are attached to the lizard’s neck.
When the lizard is threatened, it will expand the frill and make a hissing sound. The frill makes the lizard look larger and more threatening, which often scares off predators.
Frilled lizards are also known for their ability to change color. They can change from brown to green to yellow to blend in with their surroundings. This helps them to hide from predators and to ambush their prey.
Frilled lizards are omnivorous and eat a variety of insects, spiders, lizards, and small mammals. They are also known to eat fruit and vegetables.
Frilled lizards are solitary animals and they only come together to mate. The female lays a clutch of 10-20 eggs, which hatch after about 2 months.
Frilled lizards are popular pets and they are relatively easy to care for. They need a warm, humid environment and a diet of insects, fruit, and vegetables.
Water dragon (Physignathus)
Common names: Water dragon, Chinese water dragon, Australian water dragon, Northern water dragon
Species: Physignathus
Habitat: Wet habitats in Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia
Conservation status: Least concern
Water dragons are a genus of lizards found in Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia.
They are excellent swimmers and divers, and they can even hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.
As the name suggests, water dragons are typically found in wet habitats, such as rainforests, swamps, and rivers.
Water dragons are medium-sized lizards, with adults typically growing to be about 2 feet long. They have long, slender bodies and powerful limbs. Their skin is smooth and glossy, and it is often brightly colored.
Water dragons are carnivores and they eat a variety of aquatic animals, such as fish, frogs, and insects. They will also eat small mammals and birds.
Water dragons are solitary animals and they only come together to mate. The female lays a clutch of 10-20 eggs, which hatch after about 2 months.
Water dragons are popular pets and they are relatively easy to care for. They need a large tank with plenty of water, and a diet of live fish, frogs, and insects.
Spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx)
Common names: Spiny-tailed lizard, Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, Spiny-tailed agama, Damaraland spiny-tailed lizard
Species: Uromastyx
Habitat: Dry habitats in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
Conservation status: Least concern
Spiny-tailed lizards are a genus of lizards found in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They are known for their spiny tails that they use to defend themselves from predators.
Spiny-tailed lizards are typically found in dry habitats, such as deserts and grasslands.
Spiny-tailed lizards are medium-sized lizards, with adults typically growing to be about 2 feet long. They have long, slender bodies and powerful limbs. Their skin is covered in small spines, which helps to protect them from predators.
Spiny-tailed lizards are herbivores and they eat a variety of plants, such as grasses, leaves, and flowers. They will also eat insects and small mammals.
Spiny-tailed lizards are solitary animals and they only come together to mate. The female lays a clutch of 10-20 eggs, which hatch after about 2 months.
Spiny-tailed lizards are popular pets and they are relatively easy to care for. They need a large tank with plenty of sand and rocks, and a diet of live plants and insects.
Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Common names: Bearded dragon, Beardie
Species: Pogona vitticeps
Habitat: Australia
Conservation status: Least concern
The bearded dragon is a popular pet lizard found in Australia. It is known for its distinctive beard, which it can puff up to look more threatening.
The “beard” is made up of scales that are located on the dragon’s throat. When the dragon is threatened, it will puff up the beard and make a hissing sound.
The beard makes the dragon look larger and more threatening, which often scares off predators.
Bearded dragons are also known for their ability to change color. They can change from brown to green to yellow to blend in with their surroundings. This helps them to hide from predators and to ambush their prey.
Bearded dragons are omnivores and eat a variety of insects, spiders, lizards, and small mammals. They are also known to eat fruit and vegetables.
Bearded dragons are solitary animals and they only come together to mate. The female lays a clutch of 10-20 eggs, which hatch after about 2 months.
Bearded dragons are relatively easy to care for and they make popular pets. They need a large tank with plenty of UVB light, and a diet of insects, fruit, and vegetables.
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)
Common names: Komodo dragon, Komodo monitor
Species: Varanus komodoensis
Habitat: Indonesia
Conservation status: Endangered
The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world. This giant monitor lizard can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds.
Komodo dragons are found in Indonesia, on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang.
Komodo dragons are carnivores and actively prey on deer, pigs, and other large animals. They will also eat smaller animals, such as birds, snakes, and lizards.
Komodo dragons are apex predators equipped with venomous glands and an extremely powerful bite and they are known to be able to kill humans.
Komodo dragons are solitary animals and they only come together to mate. The female lays a clutch of 20-30 eggs, which hatch after about 8 months.
Komodo dragons are an endangered species and they are protected by law. There are thought to be only about 5,000 Komodo dragons left in the wild.
Flying dragon (Draco)
Common names: Flying dragon, Gliding lizard
Species: Draco
Habitat: Southeast Asia and India
Conservation status: Least concern
Flying dragons are a truly unique genus of lizards that can glide through the air – much like actual dragons!
These reptiles have elongated ribs covered in skin, which forms a wing-like structure called a patagium. Flying dragons are found in Southeast Asia and India.
They are arboreal insectivores, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and eat insects.
Flying dragons are typically small lizards, with a total length of around 20 centimeters (7.9 inches), including the tail.
Males are typically larger than females and have more brightly colored patagia.
Flying dragons are good climbers and can move quickly through trees. They lay eggs in tree cavities or under rotting logs.
Flying dragons are not endangered yet, but their populations are threatened by habitat loss and deforestation.
Flying dragons use their patagia to glide from tree to tree, or to escape from predators.
They can glide up to 60 meters (200 feet) in a single glide, losing only 10 meters (33 feet) in height.
Earless dragon (Tympanocryptis)
Common names: Earless dragon
Species: Tympanocryptis
Habitat: Australia
Conservation status: Least concern
Earless dragons are a genus of agamid lizards found in Australia. They are characterized by the absence of an external ear structure.
Earless dragons are small lizards, typically with a total length of around 20 centimeters (7.9 inches), including the tail.
They have a variety of colors and patterns, but they are all camouflaged to blend in with their environment.
Some examples of earless dragons include:
- Eyrean earless dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora – in photo)
- Gibber earless dragon (Tympanocryptis intima)
- Canberra earless dragon (Tympanocryptis lineata)
- Monaro earless dragon (Tympanocryptis osbornei)
- Victorian earless dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla)
- Bathurst earless dragon (Tympanocryptis mccartneyi)
Earless dragons are found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, woodlands, and grasslands. They are nocturnal lizards and spend most of their time hiding under rocks or in burrows. Earless dragons emerge at night to feed on insects and other invertebrates.
Earless dragons are an important part of the Australian ecosystem. They help to control populations of insects and other invertebrates. Earless dragons are also a food source for other animals, such as snakes and birds.
Dragon Lizards FAQs
What are dragon lizards?
Dragon lizards, also known as agamids, are a family of lizards that are found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe.
They are characterized by their scaly skin, well-developed legs, and a moderately long tail.
Dragon lizards vary greatly in size, shape, and color.
Can I keep a dragon lizard as a pet?
Yes, some dragon lizards can be kept as pets, but it is important to do your research before getting one.
Dragon lizards require a variety of care, including a proper diet, a suitable enclosure, and regular veterinary checkups.
Some common dragon lizards that are kept as pets include bearded dragons, uromastyx lizards, and water dragons. Komodo dragons cannot be kept as pets.
Why are they called dragon lizards?
Dragon lizards are called dragon lizards because they have many features that are similar to dragons in mythology.
For example, many dragon lizards have large scales, long tails, and spiny spines.
Some dragon lizards also have the ability to change color or to produce venom.
In addition, some dragon lizards have frills or other features that give them a more draconic appearance.
For example, the frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) has a large frill that it can expand when threatened, making it look larger and more intimidating.
Can dragon lizards fly?
A few species of dragon lizards can “fly” or better, glide.
These lizards have elongated ribs that are covered in skin, which forms a wing-like structure called a patagium.
They can use their patagia to glide through the air, which helps them to escape from predators and catch prey.
Gliding lizards are not true fliers, as they cannot flap their wings to generate lift.
Instead, they use their patagia to catch air currents and glide from one place to another. Gliding lizards can glide for distances of up to 60 meters.
Examples of dragon lizards that can glide include the flying dragon (Draco volans) and the gliding lizard (Draco sp.).
Flying dragons are found in Southeast Asia and India, while gliding lizards are found in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Are dragon lizards dangerous?
Most dragon lizards are not dangerous to humans.
There are exceptions for some large species, such as the Komodo dragon, which are venomous and can potentially harm or even kill people.
Thankfully, Komodo dragons do not typically hunt humans for food.
Which lizards have the word dragon in their name?
Here’s a list of lizards that have the word dragon in their common name:
- Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)
- Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
- Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus)
- Gibber Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis intima)
- Flying Dragon (Draco spp.)
- Mountain Horned Dragon (Acanthosaura spp.)
- Common Dragon Lizard (Ctenophorus spp.)
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