In General

A unique Australian lizard with its distinctive neck frill that it fans out when threatened. There are claims that the frill also helps to maintain a more constant temperature in the animal by increasing its overall surface area.

This lizard is very quick and often beats a hasty retreat by running on its hind legs. They can grow up to 90cm long and weigh up to half a kilogram.

Diet

Insects, including grasshoppers, ants, spiders and termites as well as other small lizards.

Habitat

Woodlands, savannah woodland as well as warm temperate forest.

Breeding

Mating occurs between September and October. The female will lay a clutch of between 8 to 25 eggs in an underground burrow. About 3 months later the hatchlings emerge and are completely independent.

Conservation status

Secure