Frilled Lizard Species

The frilled lizard is a reptile found in Australia and New Guinea. The frilled lizard can come in various sizes and colors depending on its region of origin but there is only one species of frilled lizard. Variations in the frilled lizard's colors and size are due to environmental factors only.

  1. Frilled Lizards

    • The frilled lizard's most distinguishing feature is the extra scaled skin that lies flat against its neck. When scared or threatened, the lizard opens its mount wide and hisses while the extra skin forms a large circle around its head. If the intimidating stance isn't effective, the frilled lizard usually runs away with its frill open which can be an amusing sight. The frill is also opened during courtship rituals and when sunbathing to regulate temperature.

    Variations

    • Although not a different species, there are differences among Australian and New Guinean frilled lizards. Because of the separation of New Guinea from Australia, the species developed geographical variations. The Australian frilled lizard is usually brighter shades of yellow, orange and red with white cheeks while the New Guinea variety is brown, gray and tan. The lizard's color is used mostly for camouflage and its habitat greatly influences its appearance. In the lowland rainforest of southern New Guinea the frilled lizard's brown and gray skin blends with the trees and bark. In the northern region of Australia the frilled lizard closely resembles the red clay earth and has bright red, orange and yellow scales. The New Guinea frilled lizard is also usually smaller than the Australian variety, reaching up to 2 feet compared to the Australian lizard's average of 3 feet.

    Habitat

    • The frilled lizard lives in humid tropical forests and woodlands in southern New Guinea and Northern Australia. The frilled lizard spends most of its time in the trees hidden from predators but ventures to the ground to eat. The frilled lizard eats small rodents, vegetation, small lizards and insects and has very few predators. Frilled lizards are prey for foxes, dingos, large snakes and owls.

    Captivity

    • The majority of frilled lizards available for purchase as pets are from New Guinea. Keeping a frilled lizard requires a large tank to recreate their natural environment. The tank should include tall branches or rough climbing surfaces and artificial plants. The tank needs heat lamps that reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and mist for humidity. Frilled lizard can be fed crickets, roaches, worms and small mice in captivity. A frilled lizard in captivity can live up to 20 years.