Amphibolurus muricatus

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Family

Agamidae (Dragons)

Genus

Amphibolurus

Species

Muricatus

Common name/s

Jacky Lizard, Tree Dragon

Distinguishing Features

Jacky Lizards tend to vary from light grey to brown, with pale whitish-grey markings down either side of the back. The tail is usually striped with the same pale colour. The inside of the mouth is bright yellow. Total length can be up to 40cm, although average is around 30cm, with 2/3 of this length made up by the tail.

Similar Species

In the ACT, the species that most closely resemble the Jacky Lizard are the Nobbi Dragon (Amphibolurus nobbi) and the Mountain Dragon (Tympanocryptus diemensis). The Nobbi Dragon has pink and blue insides of the mouth and a pale line down either side of its back. The Mountain Dragon has a blue mouth interior and orange tongue, and has much more pronounced spines than the Jacky Lizard.

Distribution

The Jacky Lizard's range extends from south-eastern Queensland, through NSW and Victoria to south-eastern South Australia. It is limited across the eastern part of its range to the slopes of the Great Diving Range. The lizard is common throughout the ACT, except in the cleared grazing areas and the Canberra urban area.

Country of Origin

Australia

Survey Techniques

Pitfall trapping and hand searching are used to locate these lizards during surveys.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Not listed as threatened under the EPBC Act 1999, although the species is listed as rare in South Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Not listed as threatened.

LSCCES Population

Numbers of lizards are expected to decline with urban expansion.

Associated vegetation community

Woodlands, dry sclerophyll forests and heathlands.

Limiting Resources

Suitable habitat limits the species around the Canberra region, where many areas have been cleared of shrubs and trees which the lizard requires.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in spring, with eggs laid in late spring to early summer, with up to 12 eggs buried in a hole or under a log.

Behaviour

The Jacky Lizard is diurnal and arboreal. When threatened it will ably climb nearby trees to a safe height. Territorial with a few favourite basking places. Usually seen perched on fallen or standing timber.

Functional Group

Insectivorous

Food Species

The main diet of the Jacky Lizard is insects and other invertebrates. They occasionally will feed on small skinks, flowers, fruit or leaves.

Predators

Predators of the Jacky Lizard include raptors.

Interesting Fact

When Jacky Lizards fight over territory, displays include tail and arm waving and darkening of skin colour. Such displays may be used to warn off predators. The yellow inside the mouth is often shown in this instance.