Scientific Name: Draco
Classification
Phylum: Chordata - Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill slits present.
Subphylum: Vertebrata - Vertebral column present.
Superclass: Gnathostoma -Jaws and paired appendages present.
Class: Reptilia -Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.
Subclass: Lepidosauria
Order: Squamata -Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.
Suborder: Lacertilia -Lizards. Body slender, limbs 4. Pterygoid in contact with quadrate. Eyelids are movable.
Infraorder: Iguania
Genus: Draco
Habit and habitat: Draco is arboreal, living on trees. It feeds on small insects.
Characteristics
- The body is dorsoventrally compressed, measuring 15 to 22 cm in length and divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
- The Head is more or less triangular and contains eyes, tympanum behind eyes and nostril. Eyes are small with eyelids. Teeth heterodont and attached to the edges of the jaws.
- The tongue is thick and short. Some animals have thoracic sac or dorsal spine.
- The neck contains three hooks forming flap like appendages. Below the neck there are sac-like structures known as gular pouches, which are larger in males than females and they help in copulation.
- On both sides of the body wing or patagium formed by extension of skin is present. Patagium is supported by lateral ribs.
Videos
The Flying Dragon. Source: YouTube -Nat Geo WILD
References
- Wikipedia
- The life of invertebrates by J.Z Young
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