A lizard species known as Draco volans (sometimes stylized as d. volans) has wing-like lateral appendages that enable it to glide. You may also come across references to Draco volans as the “common flying dragon.”
The back of this lizard is mostly brown with a few sparse dark spots that fit in well with the dark patch on its nape. It is endemic to Southeast Asia, but is most common in Borneo, the Philippine Islands, Southeast India, Java, and Bali in Indonesia.
Common flying dragons are widespread in their natural settings, but because of their delicate nature, care requirements, and unique habitat requirements, breeders have difficulties keeping them in captivity. Draco volans is a stunning species, and fans find its ability to glide to be an intriguing trait.
Overview of Draco Volans
| Common name | Common flying dragon |
| Scientific name | Draco volans |
| Natural habitat | Southeast Asia’s and Southeast India’s tropical jungles. |
| Adult size | 8 inches |
| Average lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Diet | Insectivorous |
| Housing | PVC enclosures and Glass aquariums |
| Expert level | Expert |
Origin
Southeast Asia and Southeast India are the native habitats of Draco volans. The tropical rainforest regions of Java and Bali in Indonesia, Southeast India, Borneo, and the Philippine Islands are home to the lizard in large numbers. Its native habitat consists of heavily forested areas with big trees that offer lots of hiding places and perches.
The patagial membranes, which resemble aerofoil wings, and the lizard’s ribs serve as a gliding mechanism. Being an arboreal (tree-dweller), Draco volans prefers to reside under the cover of big trees, which offer an abundance of food and protection.
Manifestation and conduct
Draco Volans is a quiet, shy person. However, when protecting their territory from other males, men become hostile. Although they are more docile than males, females will fight to defend their young or if they feel threatened.
Tiny lizards of this species have tan coloring. The lizard has dark spots on its back that match the one on its nape. The slim body of Draco volans has patagial membranes on each side that expand when it flies.
To entice females and warn other males, the male Draco volans has a long, pointed dewlap that is bright yellow in color. The male has a brown dorsal side and a blueish ventral side. The ventral side of the female Draco volans is colored yellow, while the dewlap is grayish-blue.
Size and Duration
Draco volans can live up to ten years in captivity under ideal circumstances and has an average lifespan of eight years in the wild. The lizard’s lifespan can be extended by making sure it has the right kind of arboreal enclosure and the ideal levels of illumination, temperature, and humidity.
These common flying dragons have four-inch tails and an average length of eight inches. Healthy people can weigh up to four ounces, with men often being shorter than women.
Temperament
Draco Volans acts obnoxiously. Males will grapple and bite one another in combat to protect their territory, and they frequently glide through trees to frighten off potential enemies.
Due to its quiet and solitary nature, Draco volans might be difficult for beginners to handle. Additionally, these lizards dislike Handling and often attempt to escape from their owners’ grasp. When threatened, Draco volans may bite or nip, which can be uncomfortable but is not harmful.
Draco volans can be handled by placing one hand behind the hind limb and the other hand supporting the body’s back, abdomen, and forelimbs.
Draco Volans’ residence
Adult Draco volans can live in habitats that resemble the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Southeast India with no problems. It flourishes in enclosures made of trees with lots of robust plants for it to glide through, sit on, and hide in.
For Draco volans, large PVC enclosures and glass aquariums with live plants, trees, and vines are acceptable.
These lizards live in warm, humid environments in the wild thanks to tropical rainforests and low elevations. By keeping the cage at a temperature of about 80°F, you may reproduce these circumstances.
Embedded Size
Draco volans need a tall enclosure that is roughly 16 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 30 inches high. The lizard will have more space to glide, perch, and roam around the habitat in a large tank.
Lighting
The installation of UV lights to a Draco volans habitat is highly recommended because it supplies the species with vital ultraviolet radiation that aids in calcium metabolism. In the enclosure, Reptisun 10.0 T5 light bulbs serve as an acceptable substitute for sunlight, and a fluorescent light on one side of the enclosure ensures that all plants are adequately lit.
Related Reading: Philippine Flying Dragon,
Thermodynamics and Humidity
The ambient temperature for Draco volans is between 70°F and 80°F. Maintain the temperature of the cage within this range, and make sure the temperature varies in different parts of the enclosure to give the lizard shaded areas and places to bask.
Aim to keep the basking area between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can induce premature skin shedding and dehydration in lizards, so keep an eye on the temperature to make sure it doesn’t get too hot for them. Make sure to reduce the enclosure’s nighttime temperature to roughly 70°F.
The humidity in the enclosure is maintained at 75% to 85% by an autonomous misting system. A digital thermometer can be used to help control the enclosure’s temperature while a hygrometer can be used to make sure the humidity levels stay within the required range.
Substance and Adornment
Draco volans only descends to the substrate to lay eggs; otherwise, it spends most of its life on tree bark and branches. It greatly helps to invest in a substrate that is simple to keep clean and maintain. For this lizard, coco fiber moss and eco earth are the best substrates.
Drainage should be provided with a 2-inch layer of pea gravel to keep the substrate dry. The lizard can climb and perch on plants, vines, branches, and tree trunks. The lizard has a reliable basking spot thanks to the placement of a sizable rock in the cage.
Cleaning
Cleaning the Draco volans cage makes sure that the surroundings are still healthy for the lizard.
The enclosure’s inside wall should be cleaned because it has been contaminated by urates, droppings, and other food waste. To get rid of any toxic substances or hazardous organisms, use a disinfection solution; do not clean the enclosure with detergents, bleach, or other harsh chemicals.
Care for Draco Volans
It takes tremendous dedication to take care of Draco volans. Because of its fragility, the lizard needs particular attention to maintain its health and well-being. Taking care of the lizard’s enclosure, temperature, humidity, and dietary needs can be difficult for amateurs and new hobbyists.
This species can be kept by knowledgeable people with reptile experience and adequate free time to watch the enclosure. Use an automatic misting system to keep your lizards hydrated because this is the most crucial aspect of their maintenance.
Water and Food
As an insectivore, Draco volans consumes termites, roaches, bean fights, ants, and crickets. Instead of aggressively seeking out food, the lizard will simply sit and wait to pray. The Draco volans receive extra nutrition by adding calcium and multivitamins to the diet.
Every day, give the Draco volans a dish of clean, fresh water; ensure sure the basin is solid and won’t fall over. As termites and ants are good sources of protein, feed the lizard three to four times every day. Avoid feeding the lizard insects like fireflies because they can be dangerous and contain toxic compounds.
Handling
The tiny and delicate lizard known as Draco volans dislikes being handled. To get away from its handler, it will bite, wiggle, and scratch. This species should not be handled by beginners, and handling can stress some species.
This tension in the lizard can also be brought on by the presence of birds, amphibians, snakes, and cats. When possible stressors are present, you should keep the Draco volans in its container and steer clear of them such vibrations, abrupt temperature changes, and sudden noise.
Typical Health Problems
A species prone to various health problems is Draco volans. Poxvirus, parasite infections, and metabolic bone disease are a few prevalent health problems.
Lack of calcium and vitamin D3 causes metabolic bone disease (MBD). The condition of the enclosure’s illumination and the amount of phosphorus present can both contribute to metabolic bone disease. If you want to reproduce the species, you should be aware that newborns are more susceptible to the sickness because they have fragile bones.
Making sure Draco volans receives enough sunshine is one strategy to stop MBD. UV-A and UV-B illumination should be provided to the lizard to assist manage and counteract MBD’s negative effects.
Draco volans frequently contract poxvirus infections. Poxvirus causes damage to the kidney, liver, and spleen and manifests as a crusty, elevated lesion on the skin.
For Draco volans, a poxvirus infection is fatal, but there are effective preventative methods, including isolation, access to fresh air, and an ethyl alcohol solution to eliminate any infections. To stop the poxvirus from spreading to other reptiles and amphibians, make sure not to touch them.
Infections with parasites are also common in Draco volans. The lizard’s digestive system may be harmed by protozoan parasites like cryptosporidiosis and coccidiosis. Through the fecal route, the parasites enter the body, impair the lizard’s immunological function, and result in bacterial illnesses.
Weight loss, diarrhea, and bloating are indications of parasite infection. To get rid of the infection, give the lizard metronidazole, sulfamerazine, and lactated ringer solution.
Breeding
Any Draco species can be difficult to breed. Newborn Draco volans lizards have a high mortality rate and need special care and attention.
Initiate the breeding process by providing a warm and humid environment with a temperature of 80°F for two weeks. Ensure that the female Draco volans gets enough calcium for egg development and provide a good nesting place at the bottom of the enclosure for the female to lay her eggs.
Introduce the female by keeping a male in the enclosure. Keep the pair together for about four days, and then separate them. During the four days, the male will mount the female to initiate mating, which takes anywhere from 3–18 minutes.
Once the mating ritual is complete, remove the male and return him to his cage. You should feed the female calcium dusted insects to support egg development and production. For females, termites and ants are also excellent sources of calcium and protein.
With the development of the eggs inside the reproductive tract, the female will begin to swell. You should keep the temperature in the enclosure at 78°F at this time, and it should stay that way from conception until the eggs are laid.
Maintain a humidity level of 60% to 70%. The female will build a nest at the bottom of the enclosure and lay her eggs after four to six weeks. She will bury the eggs in the ground, peat moss, or any other substrate that is accessible inside the enclosure. After the female has laid her eggs, you should incubate them for two months at 77-79°F.
The eggs will hatch in 45 to 60 days. For the first month of their lives, keep the baby lizards at a temperature of 80°F with a humidity level of 60–70%. A plastic container with air holes and a heat source can serve as a temporary enclosure for young lizards.
Selection and Purchase of Draco Volans
Costs for Draco volans lizards range from $40 to $50 for hatchlings to $60 to $200 for adults. Common flying dragons are scarce and expensive because it is challenging to breed them in captivity. A good variety of lizards are available for purchase from reputable breeders, and certain internet retailers and specialty pet stores also carry them.
Keeping this species needs dedication, a suitable enclosure, and a substantial maintenance and care expense. In subpar confinement conditions, more than 90% of lizards will perish during the first month. The easiest method to make sure your lizards survive is to provide them with enough water and a suitable environment.
Draco volans is not an endangered species, and its import and export are not prohibited.
