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What Are the Different Types of Water Dragons?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

There are two main kinds of water dragons. The first type is the Chinese water dragon, or physignathus cocincinus, which is native to Asia. It inhabits Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Burma. This lizard is also found in parts of India and China. The second type is the Australian water dragon, or physignathus lesueurii, which is native to Australia.

Physignathus lesueurii is further broken down into physignathus lesueurii lesueurii, also known as eastern water dragon, and physignathus lesueurii howitti, called Gippsland water dragon. Both types of Australian water dragons live in the forests of eastern Australia. They are the same size and have similar coloring, with green or gray bodies and dark stripes. The Gippsland lizards can generally be identified by the black, yellow, and orange stripes on their throats, while the eastern reptiles have black banding on their heads.

The Australian water dragon is a large, diurnal lizard.
The Australian water dragon is a large, diurnal lizard.

Water dragons are large, diurnal lizards. This means they are active during the day and rest at night. These reptiles don’t live in the water in spite of their aquatic-sounding name; they live mostly in trees and shrubs near large waterways so they can hide in the foliage or leap into the water to escape predators. Their size and speed keep them safe from most animals, but they can become prey to large snakes, mammals, and birds. They can run and swim rapidly, and are capable of staying underwater for 30 minutes to hide from predators.

There are two types of Australian water dragons that live in forested areas in eastern Australia.
There are two types of Australian water dragons that live in forested areas in eastern Australia.

Male water dragons average a length of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and weigh around 2.2 pounds (1 kg). The females are smaller, and usually reach a length of around 2 feet (0.6 meters). Tails of these reptiles are so long that their slender bodies only measure one third of their total length. These lizards are omnivorous, with a diet consisting of fruit, leaves, fish, insects, small lizards, and small rodents.

After hibernating in the winter, the reptiles breed in the spring. Females dig holes in soft soil in sunny locations, and lay between six and 18 eggs. They cover the eggs to hide them from predators. The hatchlings spend the first part of their lives in their birth burrow before growing bigger and venturing out.

Chinese water dragons are also known as Asian water dragons and green water dragons. Most Asian water dragons are bright green with turquoise stripes, making them more colorful than their Australian cousins. Both types of lizards have become popular pets since they are fairly docile and rarely bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of water dragons?

The most common types of water dragons are the Australian water dragon and the Chinese water dragon. The Australian water dragon is native to Eastern Australia and thrives in forested areas near water sources. The Chinese water dragon, found in Southeast Asia, prefers rainforests and swamps. Both species are semi-aquatic and adept swimmers.

How can you differentiate between male and female water dragons?

Male water dragons typically exhibit more vibrant coloration and larger heads than females. They also have more pronounced nuchal and dorsal crests. In the case of the Australian water dragon, males possess a red chest and belly, especially during the breeding season, while females and juveniles display duller hues.

What is the typical habitat of water dragons?

Water dragons favor humid and warm habitats with ample access to fresh water. They are often found in rainforests, along riverbanks, and in areas with dense vegetation. These reptiles require both arboreal and aquatic environments to thrive, as they climb trees and bask in sunlight but retreat to water when threatened or to cool down.

What do water dragons typically eat?

Water dragons are omnivorous, with a diet that includes a variety of insects, small mammals, reptiles, and aquatic fauna. They also consume vegetation, fruits, and flowers. Their diet can vary based on their habitat and the availability of food sources. In captivity, they are often fed a mix of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources like crickets and mealworms.

How do water dragons reproduce?

Water dragons engage in elaborate courtship displays, with males showing off their bright colors and performing head-bobbing rituals. They are oviparous, meaning females lay eggs, which they bury in soft soil or sand. Incubation periods vary, but for the Chinese water dragon, it typically lasts around 60-75 days before the young hatch.

Are water dragons endangered?

Currently, the Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) is not listed as endangered, but habitat loss and the pet trade pose threats to its population. The Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is also not classified as endangered, but it faces similar pressures from habitat modification and human activity. Conservation efforts are important to ensure their continued survival.

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    • The Australian water dragon is a large, diurnal lizard.
      The Australian water dragon is a large, diurnal lizard.
    • There are two types of Australian water dragons that live in forested areas in eastern Australia.
      By: Tupungato
      There are two types of Australian water dragons that live in forested areas in eastern Australia.