Physignathus lesueurii

(Eastern Water Dragon)

FAMILY	Agamidae
Species	Physignathus lesueurii
Common name	Eastern Water Dragon
Main colour	Grey to grey-brown with bars and crested scales
Body size	Snout to vent to 24 cm, tail to 60 cm long
Location	Cairns

Description

Widely distributed along the tropical coast, usually observed on branches overhanging streams. Feeds on a variety of animals as well as fruit. The body is grey to grey-brown to olive-green with dark obscure bars which may extend as far around as the belly. There is quite a lot of colour variation particularly on lower surfaces which are yellowish to red. A vertebral crest of scales (spine-like) extends along the back and onto the tail.