As this lizards name definitively
implies, the Australian Water Dragon
(Physignathus lesueurii) is native to Australia.
They live in a range that runs from Victoria to Queensland
in Eastern Australia. They are the only species in the
genus Physignathus that lives in Australia.
Australian Water Dragons stay near water, and can be
found all around creeks or rivers in their range. They
will normally hang around areas of the water that are
covered by branches, which they use to bask in the sunlight.
Adult male Australian Water Dragons
grow to lengths of about 3 feet, while females grow
to 2 feet. Their tails make up about two thirds of their
total length. Males are colored more boldly than females
are, and normally have a red colored chest. Both male
and female Australian Water Dragons get darker in color
as they get older.
Australian Water Dragons are extremely
good swimmers, and are adept climbers as well. Their
limbs are evolved for these activities; they are muscular,
powerful and have large claws. Both males and females
have a pronounced nuchal
crest.
The Australian Water Dragon shares the Genus
Physignathus with one other lizard, the
Chinese Water Dragon.
Australian Water Dragon Sub-Species
Both sub-species of the Australian Water Dragon look
very similar. They both are the light gray to green
in color and have black bands over their bodies. These
bands run along their backs, legs and tail.
Physignathus
lesueurii lesueurii - Eastern Water Dragon
The Eastern Water Dragon is distinguished by black bands
running down their heads from behind their eyes.
Physignathus
lesueurii howitti - Gippsland Water Dragon
Gippsland Water Dragon's can be distinguished by black
bands on their throats. These bands normally have shades
of yellow or orange mixed in.
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