Mountain dragon
A species of Heath dragons Scientific name : Rankinia diemensis Genus : Heath dragons
Mountain dragon, A species of Heath dragons
Scientific name: Rankinia diemensis
Genus: Heath dragons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By questagame , used under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The mountain dragon (Rankinia diemensis) is an agamid, or dragon lizard, endemic to Australia. It occurs in the uplands of New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in Tasmania, where it is the only native agamid. Mountain dragons are found in dry woodlands and heaths with access to open areas for sunning themselves. They are oviparous and feed on ants and other small invertebrates.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Mountain dragon primarily feeds on a diverse array of small invertebrates. Insects such as beetles, spiders, and caterpillars form a significant part of its diet, resembling a carnivorous dietary pattern.
Appearance
Mountain dragon is a small lizard reaching lengths of 20cm. It has a rounded body, stubby legs, and a fine layer of scales covering its skin. Distinctively, it exhibits a coloration that ranges from earthy brown to bright green, often with darker spots or stripes. Males are generally more vibrant than females, especially during breeding seasons. It lacks distinctive features like wings or horns.
Behavior
Mountain dragon is an omnivorous, primarily solitary species, becoming territorial during the mating season. It exhibits diurnal activity, basking in the sun to regulate body temperature. Mountain dragon employs adept camouflage for defense and predation. Noteworthy is its unique shaking behavior, mimicking leaf movement to deter predators.
Photo By questagame , used under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Heath dragons Species
Mountain dragon