Original Wild Facts, Reptiles

Wild Fact #621 – The Fashionable Dragon – Frilled-Necked Lizard

Photo by Miklos Schiberna (Wikimedia)

Welcome to the last alphabet Wild Fact of the Week.  I was thinking of writing about the Flamingo today but alas, it was already completed.  It is a shame I wasted all the good “F” animals in earlier Wild Facts.  Although, I did manage to come up with another animal that I think will both entertain and educate all of you.  Prepare yourself for the Frilled-Neck Lizard! In all honesty, Frilled-Neck Fridays are quickly becoming my favourite day of the week.

I think it is quite obvious from the picture how these lizards received their name, right?  So what is up with that “Frill” around their neck? Well, if nothing else it definitely makes the lizard look awfully peculiar.  Luckily this frill isn’t just for looks as it actually has a couple of uses.  First and foremost, the frill acts as a self-defense mechanism.  When one of these lizards get frightened they will open their bright yellow-coloured mouth.  At the same time they will unleash the normally folded flap in order to make themselves look bigger than they are.  Of course, if this doesn’t work to intimidate the predator they use my fighting technique.  No they don’t cower and suck their thumb……they run!

Photo by Factumquintus (Wikimedia)

Besides offering a great defense mechanism the frill may also assist with thermoregulation.  Like most reptiles, the Frilled-Necked Lizard needs to bask in the sun for awhile (approximately 40 minutes) to raise their body temperature so they can start their day.  Basically, in the lizards life the sun is equivalent to your cup of coffee.  It is quite possible that this large flap helps cool and heat this interesting lizard.  How about that?  Not only is it fashionable but the frill is also practical.

Frilled-Necked Lizard Fast Fact – The Frilled Lizard is actually a member of the dragon family and is also known as the Frilled Dragon.  I know what you are thinking but it is not that type of dragon.  If you want to observe these unique creatures in the wild then you will need to make a trip to Northern Australia.  Oh and make sure to look up as they tend to hang out in the trees.

I guess our alphabet week is over.  I hope you enjoyed Frilled-Necked Friday and all the other days as well.  Enjoy your weekend!

4 Comments

    1. Hi PC,

      You are right, they do have an incredible dance. I am actually saving it for another Wild Fact down the road. Some animals just deserve more than one fact 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by!

    1. Hi Emma,

      It is funny how such a small, frilly animal can actually look vicious, isn’t it?

      I am sure the Frilled-Necked Dance will be finding its way to Wild Facts before we get down to zero. You are right though, it is one interesting dance. There is no question that they dance better than I do!

      Thanks for stopping by Wild Facts.

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