What are flying lizards?

At first sight, flying lizards look like ordinary lizards. When they are attacked, they show their true colours. The flying lizard unfolds a pair of colourful wings along its sides, and jumps. Its wings are actually flaps of skin supported by long ribs from within. The flying lizard or Draco glides down for the most part, but it turns up just before it alights on a tree trunk or a branch. Flying lizards are seen only in the forests of South East Asia.

Geckos which parachute to the ground are called parachute geckos. These lizards have webbed toes, and a loose fold of skin along the sides between the legs, and on the tail. They are opened to some extent, as the lizard stretches out its legs and tail and spreads its toes. Unlike the Draco, the parachute gecko falls directly down, but lands upright and unhurt.