The Chlamydosaurus kingii, also known as the frilled-neck lizard, is a reptile distinguished by its prominent neck ruff. Despite its scientific name containing “saurus,” this creature is a modern lizard, not a dinosaur. It is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
The Distinctive Frill
The frilled-neck lizard’s neck frill is a large fold of skin supported by cartilaginous rods. Normally folded flat against the lizard’s body like a cape, this membrane can expand when the animal feels threatened. When deployed, the frill flares outwards, sometimes reaching up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter.
This sudden expansion, often accompanied by a gaping, brightly colored mouth (pink or yellow), serves as a primary defensive mechanism. It makes the lizard appear larger, aiming to startle and intimidate potential predators. Beyond defense, the frill also plays a role in social interactions, including courtship displays among males. Males are generally larger than females and may possess proportionally bigger frills, which they use in stereotyped displays involving head-bobbing and tail-lashing during the mating season.
Habitat and Diet
The frilled-neck lizard inhabits the tropical savannas, woodlands, and dry sclerophyll forests of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. These lizards are arboreal, spending their time in trees, often at considerable heights. Their camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly with tree bark, making them difficult to spot.
They descend to the ground to forage for food. The frilled-neck lizard is carnivorous, eating insects such as cicadas, ants, beetles, and termites. They also prey on spiders and other small vertebrates like smaller lizards or small mammals.
Unique Behaviors
The frilled-neck lizard exhibits several unique behaviors, including bipedal locomotion. When startled or needing to escape a threat, the lizard can lift its front limbs and run swiftly on its hind legs. With its tail held aloft for balance, it can reach speeds up to 14 km/h (9 mph) in short bursts.
The lizard’s initial response to danger is to remain motionless, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection. If this “freeze” tactic fails, it will then resort to flaring its frill and may also hiss or attempt to bite. If the intimidation display does not deter a predator, the lizard will sprint to the nearest tree and quickly climb to safety.