Rainforest Dragon
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Hypsilurus spinipes or the Rainforest Dragon
This fierce-looking rainforest dragon lives in warm temperate rainforest and sclerophyll forests along the mid-eastern coast of Australia. They feed on insects and spiders, which they hunt ambush in the canopy, on tree trunks and vines, or the forest floor. Rainforest dragon drink from the water that runs down branches when it rains. The water runs into the lizard's mouth via gravity, requiring very little effort from the dragon.
Groups of up to 20 rainforest dragon have been observed in the wild. It is thought that these aggregations are associated with breeding - either mating or egg laying. Males have been seen taking part in a ritual combat involving standing high on straightened legs, inflating the body and throat with air, opening the mouth and circling each other. Between December and January the female will lay 2 to 7 eggs in a burrow she's dug in loose soil.
Did you know...
- This fierce-looking rainforest dragon lives in warm temperate rainforest and sclerophyll forests along the mid-eastern coast of Australia.
- Groups of up to 20 animals have been observed in the wild. It is thought that these aggregations are associated with breeding - either mating or egg laying.
- Males have been seen taking part in a ritual combat involving standing high on straightened legs, inflating the body and throat with air, opening the mouth and circling each other.
Where to find Rainforest Dragon in Australia:
