kids encyclopedia robot

Lophognathus gilberti facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Lophognathus gilberti
Lophognathus gilberti 1.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Lophognathus
Species:
gilberti
Synonyms
  • Lophognathus gilberti
    Gray, 1842
  • Redtenbachia fasciata
    Steindachner, 1867
  • Grammatophora temporalis
    Günther, 1867
  • Physignathus gilberti
    Boulenger, 1885
  • Physignathus incognitus
    Ahl, 1926
  • Gemmatophora gilberti
    — Storr, 1983
  • Amphibolurus gilberti
    — Ehmann, 1992
  • Lophognathus gilberti
    — Cogger, 2000

The Gilbert's dragon (scientific name: Lophognathus gilberti) is a cool type of lizard. People also call it the Gilbert's lashtail or Ta-ta lizard. It belongs to the Agamidae family, which includes many different dragons and agamas. This lizard is special because it is only found in Australia.

About the Name: Gilbert's Dragon

The scientific name, gilberti, honors an English naturalist named John Gilbert. He was a person who studied nature and animals.

Where Gilbert's Dragon Lives

Gilbert's dragon lives in the northern parts of Australia. You can find it in the northern Northern Territory, the northwestern part of Queensland, and the northern areas of Western Australia.

Gilbert's Dragon's Home

This lizard can live in many different places, called habitats. It likes sandy dunes near the coast. It also lives in areas with shrubland (bushes) and savanna (grasslands with scattered trees). You might even find it in forests. Sometimes, these dragons are seen in farm areas or even in cities!

How Gilbert's Dragon Behaves

Gilbert's dragon spends its time on the ground, which means it is terrestrial. But it also likes to climb trees and bushes. This makes it semi-arboreal. It's good at moving around both on the ground and up high.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Gilbert's dragon lays eggs, which means it is oviparous. This is how new baby dragons are born. Interestingly, the temperature of the eggs can decide if the babies will be male or female. This is called temperature-dependent sex determination.

kids search engine
Lophognathus gilberti Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.