The Frillneck is one of the best known lizards in Australia, and at one stage graced our 2 cent coin (back in the days when we had
such a thing). It is one of the largest members of the dragon family in Australia, and although far more common than most people
would suspect, it is a lizard that is not often observed. Most of the time the lizards sit in trees from which they survey their territory,
dashing down to eat insects and other small animals. They possess keen eyesight and are very alert, and when danger approaches
they usually slip around to the other side of the tree, leving only an eye poking about to keep watch on the intruder. They are famous
for their largely bipedal gait, which is rather comical, and the huge expandible ruff of loose skin around the neck which is raised to
make the animal appear more frightening (which it does convincingly). The frill might also help shade the body and provide some
cooling benefits. Despite their large size (to about 70 cm) the frillneck's diet is predominantly ants.