In this article, we’ll explore 10 animals similar to the frilled lizard and dive into what sets them apart. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or just curious about wildlife, knowing these similarities can enrich your appreciation for the diverse ways nature adapts. Let’s get started and see how these animals stack up against our frilled friend!
1. Bearded Dragon
The bearded dragon is probably one of the most popular reptiles among pet owners. Picture a laid-back lizard, basking under a heat lamp, occasionally lifting its throat to show off a spiky “beard.” Just like the frilled lizard, bearded dragons can expand their throats as a means of communication or to assert dominance.
While the frilled lizard has a more dramatic appearance with its large, rounded frill, the bearded dragon has a broad, flat head and spikes down its sides. They are both native to Australia, but bearded dragons prefer dry, semi-arid regions. You might find them lounging on a rock, soaking up the sun, which is a classic scene for these reptiles. They also share a diet that can include insects and vegetables, making them relatively easy to care for compared to other reptiles.
2. Brown Anole
Next up is the brown anole, a small lizard that thrives in the warmer climates of the Caribbean and parts of the southern U.S. Unlike the frilled lizard, the brown anole doesn’t have a frill to unfurl, but it does possess a dewlap—a flap of skin under its throat that it can expand. This display serves a similar purpose to the frill of the frilled lizard, helping with communication and attracting mates.
You might spot brown anoles displaying their dewlaps while performing a little dance on a fence post or sunning themselves on a low bush. They’re quick and agile, often darting away at the slightest movement. The key difference is their size; brown anoles are significantly smaller than frilled lizards, making them easier to overlook in their natural habitat.
3. Collared Lizard
The collared lizard is another striking reptile that could remind you of the frilled lizard. With vivid colors and a distinctive collar, these lizards thrive in the rocky areas of the southwestern United States. They are excellent climbers, often seen basking on sunlit rocks.
Collared lizards can run on both their hind legs, somewhat like a little dinosaur, which can be quite a sight! The frilled lizard, while impressive in its own right, does not share this behavior. Both lizards exhibit territorial displays, but the collared lizard’s coloration can vary widely, making them unique in their regions.
4. Green Iguana
When you think of a large, leafy-green lizard, the green iguana likely comes to mind. While they don’t sport a frill like their frilled cousins, they do have a unique row of spines running down their backs which can give them an imposing presence. Green iguanas are herbivores and love munching on leaves, flowers, and fruit, making them quite different from the carnivorous frilled lizard.
These iguanas are often kept as pets, just like bearded dragons. While their size can be intimidating compared to the frilled lizard, their bright color and calm demeanor make them a popular choice for reptile lovers. One distinguishing feature is their strong tail, which they can use for defense—something the frilled lizard relies on more for display.
5. Chuckwalla
The chuckwalla is a hefty lizard found in the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Similar to the frilled lizard in that they both rely on physical displays to ward off predators, chuckwallas can inflate their bodies, making them tougher to swallow! They also enjoy basking in the sun but prefer rocky crevices where they can hide from threats.
While the frilled lizard has its frill, chuckwallas sport a plumper body and a more subdued color palette. They’re often a grayish hue, blending into their desert surroundings. If you’re ever hiking in the right areas, you might catch sight of a chuckwalla relaxing on a rock, much like the frilled lizard would, albeit without the frill.
6. Horned Lizard
Known for their unique horn-like protrusions and flat bodies, horned lizards are another intriguing alternative. Residing mainly in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, these lizards have a defense mechanism that involves playing dead or squirting blood from their eyes when threatened—definitely a wild survival tactic!
While their appearance is quite different, both horned lizards and frilled lizards rely on their looks to deter predators. The horned lizard’s spiky body makes it look unappetizing to potential predators, while the frilled lizard’s dramatic frill serves to intimidate. If you see one of these little guys basking in the sun, you might mistake them for a small rock due to their camouflaged skin!
7. Nile Monitor
The Nile monitor is a large lizard native to Africa, and it shares some behavioral traits with the frilled lizard. These monitors are excellent swimmers and can be found near water sources, which is a different habitat choice compared to the frilled lizard. However, both reptiles exhibit similar defensive behaviors, like puffing up and showing off their stress colors.
Unlike the frilled lizard, Nile monitors can grow quite large, sometimes exceeding 5 feet in length! They possess a long, muscular tail, which they use for balance and as a defensive weapon. While their colors may not be as vibrant as those of frilled lizards, their ability to adapt to various environments is impressive.
8. Savanna Monitor
Similar to the Nile monitor, the savanna monitor is another fascinating lizard. Found in Africa, this species is known for its robust body and strong limbs. Savanna monitors are diggers, often hiding in burrows or under the cover of dense vegetation, considerably different from the frilled lizard’s arboreal lifestyle.
Both monitors, however, share a tendency to be territorial, often displaying aggression towards one another. The savanna monitor could be mistaken for its Nile counterpart, but its bulkier shape and distinct patterns help differentiate them. This monitor’s adaptation to a life on the ground contrasts with the frilled lizard’s branch-hopping behavior.
9. Asian Water Monitor
The Asian water monitor is another impressive lizard, often found in wetland areas across Southeast Asia. Like the frilled lizard, the water monitor has a long, slender body, but it can grow up to 10 feet long! Despite their size, they are agile and can be found swimming in rivers or basking along the banks.
Both the frilled lizard and the Asian water monitor are known for their impressive displays; however, while the frilled lizard extends its frill to deter predators, the water monitor relies on speed and agility. When threatened, the water monitor will often retreat to the water rather than confront danger head-on.
10. Cape Gopher Tortoise
Finally, the Cape gopher tortoise may seem an odd addition to this list, but it shares some characteristics with our frilled lizard buddies. Both species are incredibly resilient. The tortoise is known for its burrowing behavior, spending much of its life in extensive underground tunnels. While not a lizard per se, gopher tortoises share the same ecosystem principles.
Unlike the frilled lizard, tortoises are herbivorous, munching on a diet of grasses and weeds. Their defensive strategy relies on retreating into their shells, while the frilled lizard takes a more flamboyant route by expanding its frill. Both, however, are vital parts of their respective ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity around them.
Exploring animals similar to the frilled lizard opens up a fascinating window into the diverse adaptations found in the animal kingdom. From the agile bearded dragon to the hefty Nile monitor, each of these reptiles has unique features and behaviors that allow them to thrive in their environments.
Even though they share certain traits with the frilled lizard, whether it’s the use of displays for communication or their adaptations to their specific habitats, each species stands out in its own right. The next time you see a frilled lizard or one of its look-alikes, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for these incredible creatures and their unique adaptations in the wild!
