Creature Feature Encyclopedia: Reptilia

Flying Dragon Draco spp.

Several types of animals which are not birds also fly, glide and swoop through the air. The Flying Dragon is a lizard which frequently glides from branch to branch. It inhabits many of the lush forests of Southeast Asia and uses the brightly colored flaps of skin on the sides of its body as a sort of built-in parachute. Its tail acts like a rudder, helping the lizard to steer while gliding. The Flying Dragon's vision is very advanced, which enables it to locate and catch insects in the dim light of the dense forest. Unlike most other gliders, such as flying possums and frogs, the Flying Dragon sleeps in the night and it active during the day.

~A Fly in the Sky © 1996