Fringed Flying Lizard

Draco mindanensis is a member of the genus Draco. Its body color is a dull grayish brown, almost sepia, with pale rounded spots. On its back, there are about five series of whitish round spots alternating with four series of larger, more conspicuous spots. The surface of this species’ patagium, or the extensible fold of skin used in flight, is red in males and dusky in females. Also, Draco mindanensis can be distinguished from other species of Draco in the Philippines by its larger size (maximum length has been recorded at 105 mm), mode of five ribs supporting its patagium, upward directed nostril, lack of Y-shaped series of scales on forehead, presence of lacrimal bone and dorsal body coloration of pale brown with a slight greenish case in males. In males of this species, the dewlap, or the inflatable loose skin under the throat, is large, triangular and narrow, and is vivid tangerine orange in coloration. In females, the tip of small dewlap is cream yellow.