![]() At takeoff, the lizard jumps and descends headfirst, orientating itself so that the underside of the body is parallel to the ground. The folding and unfolding of the membrane is controlled by the iliocostalis and intercostal muscles, which in other lizards are used to control breathing. Gliding is both used to escape predators, and as the primary means of moving through their forest habitat. The hindlimbs in cross section form a streamlined and contoured airfoil, and are also probably involved in generating lift. The lizards are well known for their "display structures" and ability to glide long distances using their wing-like, patagial membranes supported by elongated thoracic ribs to generate lift forces. ![]() They are found across Southeast Asia and southern India and are fairly common in forests, areca gardens, teak plantations and shrub jungle. Glides as long as 60 m (200 ft) have been recorded, over which the animal loses only 10 m (33 ft) in height, which is quite some distance, considering that one lizard is only around 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length, tail included. While not capable of powered flight they often obtain lift in the course of their gliding flights. These lizards are capable of gliding flight via membranes that may be extended to create wings ( patagia), formed by an enlarged set of ribs. ![]() spilonotus extending the dewlap (throat flap) and patagia ("wings") in Sulawesi, Indonesiaĭraco is a genus of agamid lizards that are also known as flying lizards, flying dragons or gliding lizards. taeniopterus in mid-glide, on Bulon Island, Thailand ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |