Discover

Today
Animals
Explore
Archive
Search

Use it

Classroom
Resources
Field lab
Quiz
Saved

Trust

Methodology
Sources
Corrections
Accessibility
Contributors

Details

About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
Newsletter

Animal profile

Common Flying Dragon

Draco volans

ReptiliaTropical rainforest and plantation, on tree trunksLeast Concern

Field profile

The flying dragon is a small arboreal agamid, around 20 centimetres including tail, that glides between tree trunks on membranes stretched over elongated ribs. It feeds mainly on ants and termites taken from bark. Males display with a bright extendable throat flap.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-09-26

Common Flying Dragon

The flying dragon glides on extended ribs

Draco lizards do not have wings built from limbs or skin flaps along the flanks alone. Five to seven elongated ribs on each side swing outward and stretch a membrane called the patagium, which the lizard steers with its forelimbs.

Read with evidence →

Common Flying Dragon | Daily Animal Facts