Frilled Lizard

Australia · dramatic defense · reptile

Giant neck frill. The frilled lizard has a massive frill of skin around its neck that usually stays folded flat against its body. When the lizard feels scared, it spreads the frill open like an umbrella to look much bigger and scarier to predators.

Australian native. These amazing lizards live in northern Australia and southern New Guinea, where they're perfectly adapted to warm, tropical environments.

Medium-sized reptile. A frilled lizard grows to about 90 centimeters (35 inches) from head to tail and weighs around 600 grams (about 1.3 pounds). Males are noticeably larger and stronger than females.

Bold coloring. The lizard's body is usually grey, brown, orangish-brown, or black, while its impressive frills display bright red, orange, yellow, or white colors that really pop when opened.

One of a kind. The frilled lizard is the only member of its entire genus, called Chlamydosaurus, making it truly unique among lizards.