For countless millennia, humans have been captivated by the allure of dragons.
These mythical beings have held a central place in the imaginations of numerous poets and novelists. Unfortunately, true dragons remain elusive; however, we have discovered a creature that bears a remarkable resemblance to dragons on a grand scale, leaving us in awe.
The flying dragons belong to the Agamidae family of lizards and inhabit the lush tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Presented here are several astounding photographs showcasing these creatures.
Measuring between 8 to 10 inches in length, these creatures possess membranous extensions along the sides of their bodies. These specialized adaptations enable them to gracefully glide from one tree to another, covering distances of up to 60 meters horizontally while maintaining an altitude of only 10 meters.
Their diet primarily consists of insects, particularly tree ants.
They seldom descend from the treetops unless it is during the breeding season. The male employs these membranes to court females, initiating the intricate mating process.
Following copulation, the female lays eggs. She excavates a small burrow in the ground and deposits around 4-5 eggs before concealing them with soil, then departs. The female tends to the eggs for a mere 24 hours before relinquishing her vigilance and ascending back into the trees.
The hues and characteristics of each flying dragon are distinctive, contingent upon the species; however, they all share one common feature.
Their exquisite beauty appears almost otherworldly.
Photograph: ST
Credit: Maximilian Dehling
Species: Draco Dragon, Richard Parker, Flickr
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