Information on the Inherited Traits of the Frilled Lizard

The frilled lizard, which on average weighs in at just over a pound, has some unique inherited traits that help protect it from predators. The frilled lizard is found in the savanna woodlands of northern Australia, according to National Geographic, and is a member of the dragon family.

  1. Frill

    • The frilled lizard gets its name from its frilled neck. When the lizard feels threatened, it stands on its hind legs, opens its mouth and the colorful, pleated flap of skin that surrounds its head folds out like an umbrella. This strange sight is meant to scare away any possible attackers. If the frill doesn't work, the lizard will simply run away rather than stand its ground and fight.

    Climbing

    • Another inherited trait of the frilled lizard is its amazing climbing ability. The lizard spends about 90 percent of its time in trees. But when it spots some food on the ground, it will shoot down the tree, grab the food and be back up in seconds.

    Speed

    • The frilled lizard didn't only inherit the genes of a fast climber, it is also a very fast runner. If its frilled neck doesn't scare away a predator, the lizard can often outrun it, speeding away on its two hind legs. Observers have said the way a frilled lizard runs can be quite comical. Its mouth stays open, its frill remains unfurled and as it runs, its two hind legs splay back and forth. The lizard never looks back until it reaches the safety of a tree limb.

    Camouflage

    • Another trait designed for protection is the frilled lizards ability to camouflage itself. The lizard will lay very still and color itself in grays and browns to match its surroundings when it feels threatened. It can do this whether it's in the tree or on the ground. When camouflaging itself, the frilled lizard keeps its frill folded around its shoulders. Not only is camouflaging itself a means of protection for the lizard, it also makes hunting insects much easier. An unsuspecting insect might not notice the frilled lizard until it's too late.

    Breeding

    • Mating for the frilled lizard happens as early as September, and about two months later the female will lay about a dozen eggs in the ground. If no predator raids the nest, the eggs will hatch around February. The mother will be long gone, and the babies will be on their own. But that seems to work out just fine for the frilled lizard babies, as they emerge fully capable of hunting and using their frill. Frilled lizard populations are being adversely affected by the growing number of feral cats in their habitat. The cats have found that frilled lizard eggs are an easy meal.