South Indian flying lizard (Draco dussumieri)
The South Indian flying lizard (Draco dussumieri) is a species of agamid lizard known for its remarkable ability to glide between trees using expandable skin flaps called patagia. Primarily found in the Western Ghats and other hill forests of Southern India, it is an almost entirely arboreal species that forages for insects on tree trunks and palm plantations. Males are distinguished by their colorful patagia and prominent yellow dewlaps, which they use in territorial displays and courtship.
Key Facts
- ›Capable of gliding from tree to tree using patagia (expandable skin flaps).
- ›Primarily found in the Western Ghats and associated hill forests of Southern India.
- ›Almost entirely arboreal, living on trees in forests and plantations.
- ›Males defend territories and display colorful patagia and yellow dewlaps.
- ›Active during the day (diurnal) after warming up in the morning sun.
- ›Females descend to the ground to lay eggs in soil during the monsoon season.
Indian Flying Lizard, Southern Flying Lizard, Western Ghats Flying Lizard
Southern India, Western Ghats, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh
- Brown With Patches of Grey That Match Tree Bark.
- Can Change Color To A Limited Extent.
- Adult Total Length About 23 cm .
- Snout-To-Vent Length About 7–9 cm .
- Tail Length 10–13 cm .
- Round Head With A Short Snout, Nostrils Point Upwards.
- Males Have A Long Yellow Dewlap, Shorter In Females.
- Possesses Patagia For Gliding.
- Sides of the Neck Can Be Stretched To Form Smaller 'Wings'.
- Patagium Underside Patterned With Black Blotches On Yellow and Purple.
- Horn-Like, Conical Tubercle Behind and Above the Posterior Part of the Eye.
- Males Have A Small Crest On the Nape.
- Yellow Gular Sac On the Throat Is Long and Narrow, Longer In Males.
- Back Is Rough, Throat Has Irregular Brown Spots.
- Hyoid Apparatus Expands Throat Lappets Horizontally.
Insects, Ants
- Capable of Gliding From Tree To Tree.
- Almost Entirely Arboreal.
- Active During the Day After Warming Up.
- Males Maintain Small Territories During the Breeding Season.
- Males Bob Their Head and Erect Their Gular Pouch When Courting Females.
- Can Change Skin Color To Become Silvery Grey For Display.
- Males Intimidate Intruding Males By Expanding and Folding Their Patagium.
- Females Descend To the Ground To Lay Eggs.
- Rests In Cooler Canopy During the Heat of the Day.
- Basks During Cooler Weather.
Arboreal Snakes, Birds, Indian Golden Oriole, Black-Capped Kingfisher, Lion-Tailed Macaques
About South Indian flying lizard (Draco dussumieri)
The South Indian flying lizard, scientifically known as Draco dussumieri, is a notable species of agamid lizard recognized for its unique ability to glide between trees. This remarkable adaptation is facilitated by its patagia, which are expandable flaps of skin supported by elongated ribs, allowing it to navigate its arboreal environment. The species is almost exclusively found in the Western Ghats and other hill forests of Southern India, inhabiting trees within forests and adjacent palm plantations.
Description and Adaptations
Adult South Indian flying lizards typically measure around 23 cm in total length, with a snout-to-vent length of 7–9 cm and a tail of 10–13 cm. Their coloration consists of brown with grey patches that provide camouflage against tree bark, and they possess a limited capacity for color change. A prominent feature is the male's elongated, yellow dewlap, which is shorter in females and plays a role in display. They also possess smaller, wing-like structures around the head formed by the extension of the neck skin. The underside of the patagium is intricately patterned with black blotches on yellow and purple, with individual variations used for identification.
Behavior and Ecology
Draco dussumieri is a diurnal species, becoming active after warming up in the morning sun. Its diet primarily consists of insects, with ants being a significant food source. During the breeding season, males are territorial, defending their space and engaging in courtship displays that involve head-bobbing and erecting their gular pouches. They are also known to change their skin color to a conspicuous silvery grey before gliding towards females. Intruding males are intimidated through displays of their patagia and exaggerated movements. While females spend most of their lives in trees, they descend to the ground during the monsoon season to lay approximately four eggs in the soil.
Distribution and Taxonomy
This species is the westernmost representative of the genus Draco, which contains around 42 species predominantly found in Southeast Asia. Draco dussumieri is found along the Western Ghats, extending into states such as Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra, with occasional reports from the Eastern Ghats. The species was first described in 1837 and named in honor of Jean-Jacques Dussumier, a French voyager who collected zoological specimens in India.
Predators and Threats
The South Indian flying lizard is preyed upon by various animals, including arboreal snakes, birds like the Indian golden oriole and black-capped kingfisher, and mammals such as lion-tailed macaques. Specific threats to the species' population are not detailed in the available historical accounts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the South Indian flying lizard?
The South Indian flying lizard, scientifically known as Draco dussumieri, is a species of lizard belonging to the Agamidae family. It is distinguished by its ability to glide between trees using specialized skin flaps.
Where does the South Indian flying lizard live?
This lizard is predominantly found in the Western Ghats and other hill forests of Southern India, including states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is also reported from parts of the Eastern Ghats.
How does the South Indian flying lizard glide?
It glides by expanding its patagia, which are loose flaps of skin on the sides of its body supported by elongated ribs. These act as wings, allowing it to move between trees. The tail is used to control the direction of the glide.
What does the South Indian flying lizard eat?
The diet of the South Indian flying lizard consists mainly of insects. They forage for prey on tree trunks and are known to consume a significant number of ants.
What are the physical characteristics of an adult South Indian flying lizard?
Adults typically reach a total length of about 23 cm, with a snout-to-vent length of 7-9 cm and a tail of 10-13 cm. They are brown with grey patches resembling tree bark and have a round head with a short snout. Males possess a longer, yellow dewlap compared to females.
What is the reproductive behavior of the South Indian flying lizard?
During the breeding season, males establish and defend small territories. They court females by displaying their colorful patagia and extending their yellow dewlaps. Females lay approximately four eggs in the soil during the monsoons, which hatch after about 50 days.
What are the predators of the South Indian flying lizard?
This lizard faces predation from various animals, including arboreal snakes and birds such as the Indian golden oriole and the black-capped kingfisher. Lion-tailed macaques have also been observed to prey on them.
Related Lizards
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