FRILL-NECKED LIZARDS

CHARACTERISTICS: As particular characteristic, of note is a portion of skin which rests behind the head and upon its back, a species of collar with long cartilage spines which opens up when it feels threatened. It can measure up to eighty centimetres in length, with males being considerably larger than the females. The colour of its skin is varied; some species have a very vivid red colour, while others are grey.
DIET: Insects and small invertebrates.
REPRODUCTION: Its reproductive season is during the months of September and October. They dig a well in the sand under the sun, and there the female will gather together some dry leaves and lay between 8 and 20 eggs which will hatch between December and January. Approximately three months after being laid.
CURIOSITIES: The old two cent Australian coins carried its effigy on one side for many years. The collar is also unfolded as a means of communication. During courtship, they emit a very melodious sound to attract females, while they “dance” around each other. It takes advantage of the constant fires in the North of Australia to achieve its food with greater ease, although many of them are burnt to death. In the face of a threat, firstly they blend in as much as possible to their surroundings, and then they stand up on their back legs, open their mouths, and lift up the flap of skin surrounding the jaw. They also whistle and run to attack their enemy.