Most myths have a grain of truth in them, including the myth of winged dragons that can fly. In Asia, there is a small lizard that can fly, called the flying dragon. Flying dragons don’t have wings though. They have flaps of skin on either side of their bodies. The flaps spread out to make a sort of glider.
Flying dragons can leap from trees and glide more than 50 feet. They can even turn around and glide back to the same tree! Flying dragons use this skill to escape from predators or catch food. Flying dragons are insectivores. They eat ants and other insects.
Fun Facts about Flying Dragons for Kids
- Flying dragons lay between one and five eggs. The mother doesn’t stick around to care for the babies.
- The skin flaps that give flying dragons flight are often brightly colored. They might be yellow, blue, red, spotted or striped.
- Flying dragons grow to about 12 inches.
- Flying dragons have a skin flap under their throats called a dewlap. It might be yellow or blue.
- Flying dragons are sometimes called Draco lizards. Draco means dragon in Latin.
Flying Dragon Vocabulary
- Myth: pretend story based on truth
- Glider: a type of plane that glides on air currents
- Insectivore: eats bugs
- Dewlap: flaps under the throat
Learn More All About Flying Dragons
Watch this video to see the flying dragon glide in slow motion:
A video documentary about flying dragons.
Flying Dragon Q&A
Question: Do flying dragons come down to the ground?
Answer: Flying dragons are safer in the trees. They only come down to lay their eggs in a hole in the ground. The mothers cover the hole with dirt and stand guard for about a day.
———————————–
Question: Are flying dragons poisonous?
Answer: Flying dragons are not poisonous, but many people in Asia believe they are. This belief keeps the reptiles safe from humans.
Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website all about Flying Dragons info? Take the FREE & fun all about Flying Dragons quiz and download FREE Flying Dragons worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.
