List of Flying Reptiles

Outside of a pre-history textbook or a fanciful tale of knights and dragons from the middle ages, we live in a time when reptiles no longer fly. Millions of years ago the massive pterosaurs -- true flying reptiles -- patrolled the Earth's skies. Even so, today a number of reptile species do come close to flight with an amazing ability to glide using unique evolutionary adaptations.

  1. Draco Lizards

    • Draco lizards are small, lightweight reptiles of around 8 inches in length, nose to tail. Found in the dense forests of the Philippines, India and Southeast Asia, they are adept gliders. The species is able to spread their elongated ribs into wing-like flaps on either side of the body. The lizards then leap from a branch and can glide for up to 30 feet from tree to tree. Spending most of their lives up in the forest canopy, only the females come down to the ground to lay eggs.

    Flying Gecko

    • The flying gecko is a small reptile of around 8 inches in length, nose to tail. They are found commonly in the islands and mainland regions of Southeast Asia. The species has thin flaps of skin along the sides of their bodies and webbing between the toes. Using the flaps of skin on its sides and the webbing on its feet, the flying gecko can launch from one tree to another, skillfully gliding to a safe landing over distances of 20 to 30 feet.

    Neon Blue-Tailed Tree Lizard

    • Measuring just over 4 inches, the neon blue-tailed tree lizard is a tiny reptile. It is a colorful species with a black- and white-striped body with a blue tail. The species has the ability to flatten out its slender body. The combination of its lightweight body and its flattened body mean the lizard can leap from tree to tree, covering distances of up to 32 feet. The species is found throughout much of the continent of Africa in thick, dense forested areas.

    Flying Snake

    • Found on the mainland Southeast Asia and in most of its island forests, the flying snake is an unusual creature. It does not use true flight but is capable of extended distances of gliding. Measuring around 4 feet in length, the species can spread its ribcage and flatten the length of its body. The snake drops from branches and uses the combination of its flattened body and a sidewinder type movement to glide to another tree. Some species of flying snakes have been witnessed gliding up to 300 feet.