The frilled lizard is most famous for the feature that gives it its name: its frills. However, this species of lizard also has a few other notable features. One of these is its strange-looking way of running, which gives it the nickname “bicycle lizard.” This video from National Geographic shows a frilled lizard running with its distinctive bicycle-like movement. Read on to learn more about the frilled lizard.
This animal’s real name is the frilled lizard.
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All About the Frilled Lizard
The frilled lizard‘s frills are the most famous feature of this species, giving it the appearance of a miniature dragon. While the frills normally lie flat against the sides of the lizard’s body, they spring out at crucial moments. When a frilled lizard is threatened, the frills pop out to make the lizard appear larger and more intimidating, helping to deter predators. Along with displaying its frills, the lizard also hisses at predators with a wide-open mouth, making its appearance even more terrifying. This sort of display is known as a deimatic display. Deimatic displays are bluffs meant to intimidate rather than being useful in a fight. While primarily used for defense, the frills also appear during mating displays or territorial disputes, making them significant for communication.
Bicycle Lizard
Since its displays are a bluff, a frilled lizard’s next response is typically to flee rather than fight. This is where their speedy bicycle-like running comes in. By shifting its center of gravity backward, the lizard lifts its front legs off the ground and, leaning slightly forward, runs quickly on its hind legs. While not the fastest species, frilled lizards can reach speeds of around nine miles per hour in short bursts, which helps them escape predators quickly. They get their nickname from this behavior, as their sprinting legs resemble someone pedaling a bicycle. While it may look unusual, this method is faster than running on all fours for the lizard, giving it a practical advantage.
