# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands - **Also known as:** Eastern Water Dragon, Lesueur's Water Dragon ![Physignathus lesueurii](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Aust_Gippsland_Water_Dragon%252C_Physignathus_lesueurii_howittii%252C_MRNP%252C_jjron%252C_13.02.2012.jpg&width=800) Photo: jjron, GFDL 1.2 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aust_Gippsland_Water_Dragon%252C_Physignathus_lesueurii_howittii%252C_MRNP%252C_jjron%252C_13.02.2012.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Agamidae - **Genus:** Intellagama ## 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 - **Aquatic Escape:** Physignathus lesueurii can stay submerged for up to an hour, using its powerful tail for propulsion to evade predators. - **Bipedal Dash:** Physignathus lesueurii can run on its hind legs to escape danger because its strong hind limbs propel it swiftly. - **Whip Tail Defense:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — Feral and pet cats are predators of these lizards. - **Eats:** [Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild lizards. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Physignathus lesueurii? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Physignathus lesueurii? 60-100 cm ### How much does Physignathus lesueurii weigh? 0.3-1 kg ### How long does Physignathus lesueurii live? 8-15 years ### How fast can Physignathus lesueurii move? 20 km/h ### What does Physignathus lesueurii eat? These omnivores enjoy a varied menu of insects, small animals, fruits, and even flowers. ### How fast can Physignathus lesueurii swim? 8 km/h ### Where is Physignathus lesueurii usually found? Wetlands ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Physignathus lesueurii: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/physignathus-lesueurii)