Who Are the Enemies of Frilled Lizards?

Frilled lizards are native Australian reptiles, belonging in the dragon family of lizards. They live in the hot and dry woodland and forest regions of northern Australia. They spend most of their time in trees but come down during the day to warm up with sun exposure. They are called frilled lizards because of the scaly neck-collar skin flap that unfurls when they are threatened by their enemies.

  1. Predators

    • The frilled lizard, also known as the frill-neck lizard and the frilled dragon, has several enemies that it needs to watch out for. Its main predators include dingoes, birds of prey like the wedge-tail eagle and different owls, larger lizards, some snakes and feral cats. National Geographic reports that although the frilled lizard is not in danger of extinction, some of its habitat is being encroached upon, and the growing number of feral cats in these areas is negatively impacting its population.

    Defense

    • When the frilled lizard needs to defend itself from its enemies it stands on its hind legs and opens it mouth, hissing loudly. It will extend its neck flap and will sometimes wildly swish its tail around to make itself appear larger and to startle the attacker, states the Australian High Commission. If this tactic doesn't work, the lizard will turn and run toward the nearest tree without looking back, leaving its mouth and frill still open. When all else fails, the frilled lizard will attempt to protect itself by fighting and using its sharp teeth to bite the attacker.

    Prey

    • The frilled lizard is also an enemy to the creatures that make up its diet. Ants are the choice dish for it to feed on, but it also enjoys eating smaller lizards. Small mammals, spiders, termites and cicadas are on the list of prey items for the frilled lizard as well.

    Stats

    • According to National Geographic, the size of a frilled lizard varies from region to region, but on average it weighs about 1.1 lbs. and is about three feet in length from head to tail. The lizards usually mate in September, and the female will lay between eight to 23 eggs in an underground nest. Frilled lizard babies are born self-sufficient, able to hunt and use their frilled neck for defense. They have a life span of up to 20 years in captivity -- it is unknown how long they can live in the wild.

    Interesting Facts

    • The lizard will use camouflage to blend in with the colors of their habitat for added protection against its enemies, but males tend to be more brightly colored. Although the frill is used mainly for protection, it can also be used to regulate their temperature.