Flying dragon, also known as the flying lizard, is a reptile known for its ability to glide from tree to tree. Flying dragons do not fly as birds fly. Rather, they glide through the air much as does a paper airplane. The animal’s “wings,” called patagia, are formed by five or six extended ribs that support a thin membrane between the arms and legs. When a flying dragon perches on a tree, the wings are folded against the body and almost invisible. When the animal is ready to glide, the wings become visible. A flying dragon also has small throat flaps, called lappets, that help with gliding. Its long tail acts as a rudder to help steer. Some flying dragons can achieve glides of 200 feet (60 meters) or more.
There are several dozen species (kinds) of flying dragons. They live in tropical rain forests in southwestern India and throughout Southeast Asia. Flying dragons are especially numerous in species in the Philippines and on the Sunda Shelf (Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula). They spend most of their time on the trunks of large trees, where they feed mostly on ants and termites. Flying dragons have slim bodies. The longest species measures about 15 inches (38 centimeters) long, including the tail.
Male flying dragons establish territories of one to several trees. They often chase one another through the air, defending their territory. In addition, a male defends its territory by showing off its colorful wings, throat lappets, and dewlap, a triangular flap below the chin. Males also show off to find a mate.
A female flying dragon descends to the ground to dig a small hole when it is time to lay eggs. She may lay from one to several eggs. Flying dragon young usually hatch after several weeks.
