ExploreReptiles

Physignathus lesueurii

The Water Dragon is a fun and colorful lizard that loves to swim! They can often be seen basking on rocks or branches near water. They have long tails and can change color to blend in with their surroundings.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Physignathus lesueurii is a large, sturdy lizard typically mottled grey-brown to dark brown, with a prominent spiky crest running down its back and neck. Its long, muscular tail often has dark bands, helping it stand out from most skinks or smaller lizards.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyAgamidaeGenusIntellagama

Physignathus lesueurii

Interesting facts

Baby water dragons are often born during the summer storm season!

Males often do 'push-ups' to show off and impress females!

Sometimes, these amazing lizards share basking spots with freshwater turtles!

They can change their skin colour slightly to warm up or cool down!

Special abilities

Physignathus lesueurii can stay submerged for up to an hour, using its powerful tail for propulsion to evade predators.

Physignathus lesueurii can run on its hind legs to escape danger because its strong hind limbs propel it swiftly.

Physignathus lesueurii has a long, strong tail that it can whip to deter predators when threatened.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-100 cm
Weight: 0.3-1 kg
Lifespan: 8-15 years
Top Speed: 20 km/h
Swim Speed: 8 km/h
Clutch Size: 6-18
Incubation: 60-90 days
Maximum Depth: 3 m

Diet & Feeding

These omnivores enjoy a varied menu of insects, small animals, fruits, and even flowers.

Primary Foods

Insects
Small fish
Frogs
Berries
Flowers
Snails

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lace Monitor

Varanus varius

Large monitors prey on young water dragons.

eaten by

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

Feral and pet cats are predators of these lizards.

eats

Field Cricket

Orthoptera gryllus

They actively hunt and consume various insects.

eats

Sydney Golden Wattle

Acacia longifolia

Feeds on the flowers and fruits of native plants.

Traits

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Arboreal

Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.