Blanford's flying lizard (Draco blanfordii)
Blanford's flying lizard (Draco blanfordii) is a species of agamid lizard known for its ability to glide between trees. It is characterized by its small head, constricted snout, and a distinctive dewlap that is distally expanded with a basal constriction. This species inhabits dense seasonal tropical forests across parts of Asia.
Key Facts
- ›Capable of gliding from tree to tree.
- ›Distinguished by a unique dewlap shape.
- ›Inhabits dense seasonal tropical forests.
- ›Preys primarily on ants.
- ›Is oviparous, laying eggs.
- ›The largest species within the Draco genus.
Blanford's Flying Dragon, Blanford's Gliding Lizard
Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
Dense Seasonal Tropical Forest
- Small Head With A Snout Slightly Longer Than the Orbit Diameter.
- Nostril Directed Upwards and Vertically.
- Tympanum Is Naked and Smaller Than the Eye-Opening.
- Upper Head-Scales Are Unequal and Keeled, With A Tubercle At the Posterior Corner of the Orbit.
- Male's Gular Appendage Is Longer Than the Head, Very Thin, and Covered With Large Scales.
- Slight Nuchal Fold In Males.
- Dorsal Scales Are Equal, Smooth Or Feebly Keeled, Not Larger Than Ventrals.
- Series of Widely Separated Enlarged Keeled Scales Along the Side of the Back.
- Grey-Brown Coloration Above With Small Dark Spots.
- Wing-Membranes Are Marbled With Dark Brown and Lighter Spots/Lines Above, and Immaculate Beneath.
- Throat Is Unspotted, Greenish, With Pale Scarlet Beneath the Lateral Wattles.
Ants
Arboreal, Diurnal, Capable of Gliding From Tree To Tree
About Blanford's flying lizard (Draco blanfordii)
Blanford's flying lizard, scientifically known as Draco blanfordii, is a fascinating species of agamid lizard celebrated for its remarkable ability to glide between trees. This adaptation allows it to navigate its dense forest habitat efficiently. The species is notable for its distinct physical characteristics, including a small head, a constricted snout, and a unique dewlap that is distally expanded with a basal constriction, setting it apart from closely related species.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Draco blanfordii is found across a significant portion of Asia, with recorded populations in Bangladesh, southwestern Yunnan in China, India, West Malaysia, Myanmar, eastern Thailand, and Vietnam. Its preferred natural habitat consists of dense seasonal tropical forests, where it thrives at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). This arboreal lifestyle is well-suited to the complex canopy environment.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Physically, Blanford's flying lizard is characterized by its grey-brown coloration above, often marked with small dark spots. The wing-membranes, or patagia, are marbled with dark brown and lighter markings when viewed from above, and are immaculate underneath. Males possess a particularly striking gular appendage that is longer than the head. This species is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day, and its diet primarily consists of ants, making it an insectivore.
Reproduction and Taxonomy
Blanford's flying lizard reproduces oviparously, laying eggs. It is recognized as the largest species within the Draco genus. The specific name, blanfordii, was given in honor of the English geologist and naturalist William Thomas Blanford, who was associated with the Geological Survey of India.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blanford's flying lizard?
Blanford's flying lizard, scientifically known as Draco blanfordii, is a species of agamid lizard recognized for its gliding capabilities. It is endemic to various parts of Asia and is adapted for an arboreal lifestyle.
Where is Blanford's flying lizard found?
This species has a wide geographic distribution across Asia. It can be found in Bangladesh, southwestern Yunnan in China, India, West Malaysia, Myanmar, eastern Thailand, and Vietnam.
What are the distinguishing physical features of Blanford's flying lizard?
Blanford's flying lizard has a small head with a constricted snout. A key distinguishing feature is its dewlap, which is wider at the end and constricted at the base, unlike similar species. Males also possess a long gular appendage.
What is the habitat of Blanford's flying lizard?
The preferred habitat for Blanford's flying lizard is dense seasonal tropical forests. They are typically found at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet).
What does Blanford's flying lizard eat?
The diet of Blanford's flying lizard consists mainly of ants. They are insectivores that forage for their prey within their arboreal environment.
How does Blanford's flying lizard reproduce?
Blanford's flying lizard reproduces by laying eggs, meaning it is oviparous. Specific details about clutch size or incubation periods are not extensively documented in general records.
Is Blanford's flying lizard venomous?
There is no information suggesting that Blanford's flying lizard is venomous. Like most agamid lizards, it is not considered to possess venom.
Related Lizards
Acanthocercus atricollis
The black-necked agama, Acanthocercus atricollis, is a species of tree agama found across East, Central, and southern Africa. These lizards are known for forming structured colonies and are often found in high densities near human settlements due to reduced predator presence. They are primarily insectivorous ambush predators.
Agama bibronii
Agama bibronii, commonly known as Bibron's agama or the North African rock agama, is a medium-sized lizard native to northwestern Africa. This species inhabits rocky areas and is characterized by its greyish-green coloration with brown spots, and distinct blue heads in males. They are diurnal, omnivorous, and play dead when threatened.
Agama impalearis
Agama bibronii, also known as Bibron's agama or the North African rock agama, is a medium-sized lizard found in northwestern Africa. Characterized by its greyish-green dorsal coloration with brown spots and a blue head with orange eye rims, males exhibit striking coppery-orange and purplish-blue breeding colors. This diurnal species inhabits rocky areas and is an omnivore, feeding on arthropods, small lizards, and plant material.