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The Frilled Lizard has a large, thin frill around its head, which it displays in order to frighten enemies. To appear even more impressive, it also opens its mouth wide and often rears up on its hind legs. When frightened, this lizard will run away, using its back-legs only, earning it the nickname, the "bicycle lizard."
Habitat: These lizards spend most of their life in trees (they are primarily arboreal). They live in the north of Australia and in New Guinea. They inhabit moist tropical and warm-temperate forests and in woodlands with shrubby understory.
Anatomy: When displayed, the frill is 9.5-14 inches (24-34 cm) wide. When the lizard is at rest, the frill folds down on its shoulders. Adults are over 8 inches (20 cm) long.
Diet: Frilled Lizards are carnivorous (meat-eaters). They eat bugs (like cicadas, ants, and spiders) and small lizards. They hunt in trees and on the ground.
Reproduction: Female frilled lizards lay 8-12 soft-shelled eggs in a clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time).
Classification: Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, Family Agamidae, Genus Chlamydosaurus, Species kingii. It was named by John Edward Gray in 1825.
