If you have a backyard terrarium or a reptile tank, you may be wondering how to choose a healthy Draco lizard. Draco dussumieri, a flying lizard, is the perfect choice for your new pet. These reptiles have developed the ability to soar, and can fly more than nine meters in a single flight. Their wings are actually elongated ribs that can be extended on command.
Draco dussumieri
The name “Draco” comes from the fact that these lizards look like dragons. Their long tail and crown of horns give them a dragon-like appearance. In videos, male Dracos are particularly distinctive with their large dewlaps and bright yellow patagia. The females, on the other hand, have smaller dewlaps and redder patagium. The patagium is unique to each individual draco.
For the phylogenetic relationships of the Draco, Musters (1983) used morphological characters to create a primary dichotomy. This hypothesis was based on the presence of two clades, Group A and Group B. The two subspecies are monotypic except for D. dussumieri, which is monotypic. Both species are found in southern India and elsewhere in the world. They are believed to have arisen from the same common ancestor.
While draco lizards are mostly insectivorous, you should know that they will also eat millipedes and other small creatures. Their diets will contain small crickets and fruit flies. They will also dust them with calcium and vitamin powder. However, you must avoid feeding them with scorpions, ticks, or fireflies as these contain self-defense toxic chemicals.
To choose a healthy Draco, you need to know its gender. Female Dracos look different from male ones. They are lighter in colour and have a mottled appearance when not expanded. They are usually a mixture of colours and are often camouflaged in the rainforest. So, if you are not sure about the gender of your lizard, look at the color of its legs and feet.
Female Dracos usually lay eggs four to six weeks after mating. They make a small nest at the bottom of their tank and cover it with peat moss and soil. They guard the eggs for about 24 hours before they hatch. The female Dracos then eat calcium-rich insects to build up their bodies and develop their eggs. The temperature and humidity in these temperatures must be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks for the eggs to hatch.
Female Dracos need a shaded area to lay their eggs. They prefer to be in trees to avoid intense sunlight and high temperatures. After they lay their eggs, they will return to the tree where they live to raise their young. They also breed in winter. In this way, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy Draco lizard without any complications. If you have a green thumb, you can enjoy your new pet without worrying about the health of your lizard.
If you’re considering buying a Draco Lizard for your pet, it is essential that you have a thorough knowledge of the species you’re choosing. The lizard’s patagia can differ from species to species. Research conducted by the University of Melbourne found that the patagia of the Draco cornutus lizard matched that of the falling leaves in its rainforest and mangrove habitat. The difference between the two is significant for your pet.
Choosing a Draco is not difficult once you’ve chosen a female. They’re highly territorial, and the female will only step down to the ground when she’s laying her eggs, while the males never step down. While the females glide between the tall trees, males cling to branches and use their strong claws to hold on. They have many enemies to fight off. Besides, they must also hunt for potential mates, predators, and ant trails.
While Dracos are scaly and flat, they are actually insectivores. This explains their name, “flying dragon lizards.” Its ribs are held in place by membranes, making them glide effortlessly through their forest habitat. Their wings also extend out and make them look like wings. Depending on the species, Dracos have many different colors and patterns on their body.