Quick answer
Frilled Lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii) are reptiles found across Oceania. The lizard that flares a dramatic neck frill. Adults typically weigh About 0.5 kg (1.1 lb), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live 10–20 years. They feed on carnivore (mainly insects) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Tropical and warm-temperate woodlands of northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Key takeaway
Frilled Lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii) are reptiles found across Oceania. The lizard that flares a dramatic neck frill. Adults typically weigh About 0.5 kg (1.1 lb), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live 10–20 years. They feed on carnivore (mainly insects) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Tropical and warm-temperate woodlands of northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Frilled Lizard overview
Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is a reptile listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight About 0.5 kg (1.1 lb); lifespan around 10–20 years.
Frilled Lizard ecology
Diet: Carnivore (mainly insects). Habitat: Tropical woodlands and dry forest. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Frilled Lizards and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild frilled lizards are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Frilled Lizard profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Frilled Lizards inhabit Tropical and warm-temperate woodlands of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Their preferred habitat includes tropical woodlands and dry forest, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across Oceania.
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult frilled lizards typically measure about 0.9 m in length and weigh About 0.5 kg (1.1 lb). They can sprint at up to 30 km/h (19 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Frilled Lizards are known for the lizard that flares a dramatic neck frill — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Frilled Lizard FAQs
What are key facts about frilled lizards?
Frilled Lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii) are reptiles found across Oceania. The lizard that flares a dramatic neck frill. Adults typically weigh About 0.5 kg (1.1 lb), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live 10–20 years. They feed on carnivore (mainly insects) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Tropical and warm-temperate woodlands of northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
What is the scientific name of the frilled lizard?
Chlamydosaurus kingii — used in research and conservation listings for frilled lizards.
What do frilled lizards eat?
Frilled Lizards eat mainly insects, with seasonal and regional variation in Tropical woodlands and dry forest.
Where do frilled lizards live?
They are associated with Tropical woodlands and dry forest. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of frilled lizards?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.