Lophognathus


Lophognathus is a genus of large-bodied agamid lizards, consisting of two species — L. gilberti and L. horneri — both of which are endemic to northern Australia. Along with several other closely related genera, these lizards are commonly referred to as "dragons". In Australia, these lizards are also colloquially known as "Ta Ta" lizards, due to their habit of "waving" after running across hot surfaces.
Lophognathus are slender, slightly compressed, semi-arboreal lizards. They occur in a variety of habitats, including sand dunes and arid regions, but frequently near watercourses.

Taxonomy

The genus Lophognathus was originally named and described by John Edward Gray in 1842.

Species

Two species are currently recognized in this genus:
SpeciesCommon nameImage
Lophognathus gilberti
Gray, 1842		Gilbert's dragon,
Gilbert's lashtail
Lophognathus horneri
Melville, Ritchie, Chapple, Glor & Schulte, 2018		Horner's dragon

Two species formerly included in genus Lophognathus have been reclassified, as follows:
  • Lophognathus temporalis has been reclassified as Tropicagama temporalis
  • Lophognathus burnsi has been reclassified as ''Amphibolurus burnsi''