Central military dragon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central military dragon |
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The military dragon (Ctenophorus isolepis) is a cool lizard found in the dry, hot parts of central and western Australia. It's also called the central military dragon or military sand dragon. This lizard is a type of agamid lizard, which means it's related to other dragons and agamas.
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What Does the Military Dragon Look Like?
Military dragons are usually yellowish or reddish-brown. They have interesting blotches and flecks on their skin. These marks can be light or dark.
How Big Do They Get?
Adult military dragons are not very big. From their nose to the tip of their tail, they measure about 21 to 26.5 centimeters (about 8 to 10 inches) long.
Where Do Military Dragons Live and What Do They Do?
Military dragons love dry places. You can find them in the sandy deserts and flat, loamy areas of central and western Australia. They often live where there's lots of spinifex grass.
Their Home and Habits
These lizards like to stay on the ground. If they get scared, they quickly hide in the spinifex grass. They usually avoid high or open spots. Instead, they prefer to look for food on the bare ground between small plants.
Where They Are Found
You can find military dragons in the outback of Western Australia. They also live in the southern part of the Northern Territory and the north-western part of South Australia. Sometimes, they are even seen in south-western Queensland.
Different Types of Military Dragons
The military dragon has three different types, called subspecies. A subspecies is like a slightly different version of the same animal.
- C. i. isolepis
- C. i. citrinus
- C. i. gularis
Another lizard, C. rubens, used to be thought of as a subspecies of the military dragon. But now scientists know it's its own separate species!
