Lying Lizard

Like the armadillo, the frilled lizard tries to run away when it spots a predator. It darts up a tree, or it hops on its back legs and dashes across the forest. But that doesn’t always work.

Sometimes the lizard can’t just run away. When that happens, it tries to bluff its way out of becoming a tasty treat. It pretends to be bigger than it really is, and it also acts tough.

The lizard opens its mouth as wide as it can. The skin around its neck pops

Before

Before

The frilled lizard looks harmless most of the time.

In Other Words

  • spots sees

  • bluff its way out of becoming a tasty treat look like something it isn’t so that it won’t get eaten

  • tough mean

Science Background

Frilled lizards live in northern Australia’s hot, dry forests. They are appropriately named after their neck frill that opens when they want to scare off a predator. Their color allows them to hide because they match the land and the trees they live on.