Source: Wikimedia Commons
Frilled Dragon
AdvancedChlamydosaurus kingii
Famous Australian lizard that spreads frill-like collar. Spectacular appearance when displaying threat posture.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
25〜32℃
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
60-90cm
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Insects, Small vertebrates
About
The frill-necked lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii), also called the frilled dragon or frilled lizard, is a large agamid native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is best known for its impressive defensive display, in which it spreads a wide, umbrella-like frill of skin around its neck and opens its mouth wide to startle predators. Adults reach 60–90 cm in total length. The frill is typically orange, red, or yellow when displayed, contrasting with the grey or brown body. Frill-necked lizards are primarily insectivorous, consuming large invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates. They are arboreal and fast-moving, spending much of their time in trees.
Lifespan of the Frilled Dragon
The Frilled Dragon lives 10-15 years.
Size of the Frilled Dragon
The Frilled Dragon grows to 60-90cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Frilled Dragon
In captivity they require large, tall enclosures, a strong UVB source, high basking temperatures around 38°C, and a cooler retreat of about 26°C.
Basic Info
Origin
northern Australia and southern New Guinea
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
60-90cm
Temperature
Care Specifications
PeacefulSolitaryBreeding: Moderate
Sources: Wikipedia — Frilled Dragon (JA)
Captive Breeding
Egg-laying
- Clutch size
- 4〜13
- Incubation temp.
- 29℃
- Incubation days
- 70〜90 days
- Sexual maturity
- 18 mo
Breeding season: At the onset of the wet season following the dry season (mating around September–October; egg-laying November–February).
Breeding notes
This species exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD): incubation temperature influences the sex ratio of hatchlings (Harlow & Shine, 1999, Herpetologica 55:205–212). For a balanced sex ratio, a moderate incubation temperature of around 29 °C is a useful guideline. Simulating wet-season onset (increased temperature, humidity, and feeding following a dry-season rest) promotes reproductive activity.
Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.
Sources: Animal Diversity Web – Chlamydosaurus kingii / The Animal Facts – Frilled-Neck Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) / Wildlife Explained – Frilled Lizard
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
- CITES Checklist (not listed)
- IUCN Red List
- Wikipedia — Frilled Dragon (JA)
- Animal Diversity Web – Chlamydosaurus kingii
- The Animal Facts – Frilled-Neck Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
- Wildlife Explained – Frilled Lizard
- Harlow PS & Shine R (1999) Temperature-dependent sex determination in the frillneck lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii (Agamidae). Herpetologica 55:205–212
- GBIF
- Reptile Database
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Chlamydosaurus kingii Gray, 1825
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Checklist (not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Frilled Dragon Listings
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