Common Flying Dragon

Meet Draco volans, commonly known as the flying dragon. This captivating lizard, native to Southeast Asia, belongs to the Agamidae family. One of the most remarkable features of these lizards is their ability to glide through the air using wing-like flaps of skin called patagia.

Draco volans can grow up to 22 cm in length, including the tail. Typically, their bodies are tan with dark specks. Males are distinguished by their vibrant orange patagia adorned with dark bands, whereas females exhibit more irregular patterns on theirs.

During courtship, males put on an impressive display. They unfurl their colorful patagia and extend their dewlaps to attract females' attention. These diurnal creatures are often observed running along branches, exhibiting their gliding prowess, and moving from tree to tree. They lead a strictly arboreal lifestyle, meaning they reside in trees.

Their diet primarily consists of ants, as evidenced by a study conducted in Eastern Mindanao in the Philippines. These lizards inhabit early second-growth forests, open secondary forests, and the edges of tropical rainforests across Southeast Asia.

The "wings" of Draco volans are actually supported by their elongated ribs, which create the structure needed for the patagia. Unlike birds, these lizards are passive gliders, which means they glide rather than actively fly.

When it's time for reproduction, the female digs a nest in the soil to lay her eggs. That offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the flying dragon!