Frilled Lizard

The spectacular frill of the Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is probably the largest body ornament, relative to size, of any animal. Normally neatly folded over the neck and shoulders, the frill is erected by special bones and cartilage in the throat. It is used in formidable threat displays. When threatened, Frilled Lizards stand upright, open their mouth and spread their frill, and may even leap at predators. Males defending their territories will wave the frill, head-bob and lash their tail. Frilled Lizards live on trees and come down to the ground most often during the wet season. On the ground they are one of the few animals that regularly walk on their hind legs.