Gilbert's Dragon (Tata Lizard) Folks,
Founds Mrs Gilbert's Dragon here sunning on a handy pot. I think its a
female Gilberts Dragon (Family Agamidae:- Lophognathus gilberti). They are
very common in this part of the world, and have come out in force since the
weather warmed up last week.
I really like the Gilberts. They have loads of character, and seem to be
everywhere. Mostly posing, but they are sudden death on small insects when
feeding. The males get into the most amazing territorial displays, and the
posturing puts us all to shame. The females are quite attractively marked,
and I think the salmon-coloured lower lip is a nice touch...
These dragons are probably our most common of the larger dragons. Certainly
more common than the Bearded Dragon around the homestead, but less so in the
more open grasslands paddocks.
They grow to about 2.5 feet long(including tail) in the larger adults,
although males have been seen just over a yard long.
It is an unusual day to not meet at least one gilberts every day in the
warmer months. The one that took to sleeping on my motorbike handlebars in
the shed used to scare the living death out of me! I'd be getting ready to
go out on the bike, and as I reach for the handlebars, part of them would
come alive and leg it! Nearly had a heart-attack last time...
Cheers,
Rod.......Out Back