Reptile · GBIF taxon 2466087
Northern Frilled-neck Lizard
Chlamydosaurus kingiiAlso known as Frilled Lizard, Frill-necked Lizard, Frilled Dragon, Frilled Agama
Northern frilled-neck lizards spend the vast majority of their lives high in the canopy of tropical savannahs and open woodlands, descending mainly to feed or defend territory. When threatened, they erect a large, colorful skin membrane around their neck while gaping open a brightly lined mouth to intimidate predators. If a bluff fails, they turn and sprint away on their hind legs to the safety of the nearest tree.
ArborealReptileDistinctive Frill
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Termites
- Caterpillars
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Monitor lizards
- Dingoes
ThreatsFeral predators, altered fire regimes, ingestion of invasive cane toads
HabitatsTropical savannahs, open woodlands, sclerophyll forests
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesChlamydosaurus kingii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May flare its frill, hiss, and bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Strong jaws and sharp teeth can cause painful lacerations and puncture wounds if the lizard is cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by the large pleated frill around the neck and grey to brown camouflaged body.
- What to do
- Do not attempt to touch or capture; step back slowly if the lizard erects its frill and opens its mouth.
Responsible observation
- Respectful Distance: Avoid provoking the frill display, as repeatedly stressing the lizard drains vital energy.
- Spotting Behavior: Scan vertical trunks of eucalyptus trees where they camouflage while basking in the sun.
- Watch Movement: Observe from afar to see them sprint bipedally across open ground between trees.
Predator 
Invasive Threat (c) Connor Margetts, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Connor Margetts · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Chris Lindorff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Chris Lindorff · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Auradyme, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Auradyme · cc-by
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