Frilled Lizard

Frilled Dragon
Frill-Necked Lizard

Chlamydosaurus kingii

Description

A frilled lizard’s most noticeable feature is, not surprisingly, the frill like skin on the sides of its head, which it can flare out like an umbrella when frightened. In Greece the term “chlamys” referred to a piece of clothing similar to a cloak that was typically worn by Greek soldiers (and can be seen in many Greek statues and artworks). A frilled lizard looks a bit like it is wearing a cloak over its shoulders when its frills are folded against its neck. Many researchers believe that the frill may aid in thermoregulation, while others have suggested it may help the lizard’s sense of hearing. Neither theory has been proved or disproved. Frilled lizards spend most of their time in trees and usually only take to the ground in pursuit of prey or in an attempt to escape potential threats. Frilled lizards have short forelegs with comparatively long back legs. If they are caught on the ground they often begin with all four feet on the ground, but quickly take to bipedal locomotion and rapidly ascend into the nearest trees. They are rather dull colored; brown or grey, but their frills (when opened) are often brightly colored oranges and/or blues. They are relatively large lizards reaching nearly three feet in length (nearly 1 meter), with the tail accounting for nearly 2/3 of the total length. They may live over ten years long.

Natural Habitat

Frilled lizards are found in north and northeastern Australia in the provinces of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. They are also found in southern New Guinea. There are noticeable color differences amongst the different locales, but their behavior is the same. Frilled lizards are diurnal and, as mentioned above, are almost solely arboreal. They are found in open forests and grasslands, where 90% of their time is spent in trees or shrubs. Studies have shown that their preferred habitat is often more than 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.

Artificial Habitat

Frilled lizards need a lot of space. They are large lizards that spend a lot of time off the ground and subsequently need enclosures that afford them ample vertical space. Most hobbyists do not have (or are not willing to commit) the amount of space necessary to properly house a frilled lizard and subsequently many of them do not fair well in captivity. Enclosures should vertically oriented and be a minimum of 4 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet (120 cm x 120 cm x 60cm). The enclosure should be screen, aviary netting/fencing or a combination of screening and another material. Aquariums are not suitable enclosures. Branches, sturdy trees and robust branching plants should be utilized as much as possible to provide adequate climbing and perching locations. Branches should extend from the ground to the roof of the enclosure.

The substrate can be bare or any of the commercially available coarse sand type substrates. In a naturalistic vivarium potting soil can be used, but all but the toughest plants will likely be destroyed.

A basking spot of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit should also be provided. Nighttime temperatures can drop to a comfortable room temperature (65-70 degrees Fahrenheit). As diurnal lizards, they also need UV lighting and should be provided with 8-10 hours of UV exposure. This can be accomplished by using a UV bulb in conjunction with a basking light or by using one of the many commercially available spotlights that incorporate UV.

Water should be provided both by misting the enclosure (just prior to the lights coming on is ideal) and also with a medium sized water bowl.

Diet

In the wild frilled dragons often gorge themselves on large quantities of small prey such as termites, ants, and beetles. Their most commonly ingested prey item is caterpillars. They also eat grasshoppers, cicadas, spiders and other large insects. It has also been noted that they occasionally eat small mammals, birds and eggs. Naturally they are omnivorous, but tend not to be interested in plant matter in captivity. In captivity their diet should be varied and include crickets, grasshoppers, superworms, roaches, and occasionally pinkie mice. Fruit and vegetable matter can be offered, but only the rare individual will take to vegetable matter in captivity.

Caveats

Frilled lizards are undoubtedly one of the most unique and interesting lizards known to exist. Their defensive posture has made them famous and they have been depicted in movies, on currency and in artwork; they are indeed a poster child for lizards. The opportunity to own one should be taken as a privilege and they should be afforded a captive environment that will allow them to flourish. If you are unable or unwilling to provide the large enclosure necessary for the health of a frilled lizard, do this spectacular lizard a favor and leave it for someone else!

Adult male frilled lizards are fiercely territorial and should not be housed together as they will attack one another consistently.