1. Draco is commonly known as flying-dragon or flying lizard.
2. Body is dorso-ventrally compressed and measuring about 25 cm in length. Body is divided into the head, trunk and tail.
3. The sides of the body, between the fore and hindlimbs, extend as a pair of large wing-like membranes, the patagia, which are supported by five or six much elongated posterior ribs. These are used as parachutes during flight. These wing-like membranes can be folded up like a fan.
4. Head bears a wide mouth, eyes with eyelids, nostrils and openings of the external ear.
5. On the throat are three pointed hooks, a short one on either side and a long one in the middle.
6. Sexual dimorphism exists. Male has a small nuchal crest. Distensible gular pouches are present below the neck in both sexes, which are larger in males. Gular pouches are orange in males and blue in females.
7. Teeth are procoelous.
8. Vertebrae are procoelous.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
