Frilled Lizard

Presentation

The Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is a large arboreal agama native to Australia and southern New Guinea. It is distinguished by a large membrane of skin folded around its neck, which it deploys in a fan during defensive or territorial displays. This collar, combined with a bipedal posture and a wide open mouth, gives the animal an impressive appearance intended to deter predators. Apart from these demonstrations, the lizard leads a discreet life, spending most of its time on tree trunks. It is also known for its ability to run on its hind legs alone when fleeing danger.

Elongated body covered with grayish to brownish scales, providing effective camouflage on the bark. The collar, supported by cartilages connected to the hyoid bone, can reach around thirty centimeters in diameter once deployed. The hind limbs are powerful and adapted for rapid bipedal running.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Frilled Lizard frequents dry tropical forests, wooded savannahs and woodland areas with warm, seasonal climates. It favors trees offering good camouflage and quick access to the ground for hunting. Areas close to seasonal water points are often favored during the dry season.

Behaviour

An arboreal and diurnal species, it descends to the ground to hunt or move between trees. Faced with a threat, it deploys its collar, hisses and can charge before fleeing by running on its hind legs. Outside of the breeding season, individuals are rather solitary and territorial.

Reproduction

The breeding season generally occurs at the end of the rainy season. The female lays 8 to 23 eggs in a nest dug on the ground, in loose, moist substrate. Incubation lasts two to three months, without parental care after laying eggs.

Peculiarities

The retractable collar, unique among lizards in its size and use, constitutes the most striking characteristic of the species. Its ability to run in a bipedal position, with its forelimbs raised, is also remarkable. It has inspired various cultural representations, notably in heraldry and in popular Australian media.

Threats and conservation

The species is locally threatened by habitat loss linked to bushfires and land conversion. Predation by introduced species, such as cats and foxes, as well as the presence of toxic cane toads ingested by mistake, weigh on certain populations. The trade as exotic pets exists but remains regulated in its original area.

References

Profile updated 02 September 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.