Knowra Frilled lizard Frilled lizard The frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is an agamid lizard native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. When threatened, it opens a large neck frill and gapes its mouth to appear larger.
Frill (animal) : A fold or flap of skin that an animal can extend or display. The lizard's broad neck frill spreads outward when it raises its threat display.
Agamidae : A family of Old World lizards that includes dragons, agamas, and their relatives. The frilled lizard belongs to this family of diverse, often visually distinctive lizards.
Aposematism : Warning coloration or signals that advertise an organism's defenses or unprofitability to predators. Its frill can look alarming, but the display is not a warning of toxicity or other defenses.
Bearded dragon : An Australian agamid lizard of the genus Pogona, known for its spiny throat beard. It is a familiar Australian relative with a different defensive display.
Deimatic behavior : A sudden display that startles or intimidates a potential predator. The frilled lizard's expanded frill and open mouth form a classic startle display.
Chlamydosaurus : A genus of agamid lizards containing the frilled lizard as its sole living species. This genus places the species within its immediate taxonomic grouping.
Predator avoidance : Behaviors and traits that reduce the chance of being captured or killed by predators. The frill display, camouflage, and rapid escape all help it avoid predators.
Water dragon : A common name for agamid lizards of the genus Intellagama or Physignathus. Water dragons provide a comparison with other large, long-tailed agamids.
Bipedalism : Locomotion using two limbs for support and movement. When fleeing, the lizard can run upright on its hind legs.
Squamata : The reptile order comprising lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians. The frilled lizard is a lizard within this broad reptile order.
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