Have you ever been watching a lizard and suddenly the illusion of scale appeared, as if it has added on some extra bulk? In the past, this type of scale did not exist. The scales were flat and could not be exaggerated. Nowadays, if you look at them closely, they can appear to have some degree of internal design or exaggeration.

Why is this? It may just be an effect of modern day manufacturing. Back in the day, scales were not as smooth and not as elaborate. Perhaps they were handmade with chipped stones and metals. The coloring could also come from raw materials such as shells.

This is why we sometimes see “dragons” on fossilized bones. They may also appear on other kinds of scales such as snake scales. And when we look at some reptiles, like the iguana or the salamander, their scales can be very thick.

So, when you see scales that are jagged, uneven or just plain missing, they can look like they have been purposefully damaged. This is called “mold”. In nature, most critters have scales that are spread across their bodies. We, however, do not.

What about the scales of the dragonfly? Is there one distinct pattern? There most certainly is! And it looks like a dragonfly has two wings, just like a real dragonfly.

The best way to recognize a dragonfly is to know what kind it is. There are several varieties, as listed below. The most common is the large dragonfly. But, it does not have a sting. While looking like a dragonfly, this variety probably swam through most of Earth’s history.

The smaller types are called chameleons. They usually look like a diamond with a dark spot on the top and may have four spots or stripes down the side. They do have venom glands, just like any other insect. The name “chameleon” was derived from the Greek word for “shining skin”.

So, there you have it. It’s not impossible to identify all of the reptiles that you see in the wild. When I was a child, my mother would catch us each one as we approached the food dish. I’ve never seen one before, so I have no memory of what it might look like. Hopefully, though, you now have a better idea about some of the different lizards that look like a dragon.

Cacodemon – Also known as the “serpent-bearer” or the “tailed snake”, the cacodemon is a large, leather-backed lizard with a head nearly as large as its body. Head features may include large ears, large eyes, and a short snout. A brightly colored throat ring may also be present.

Vembekognith – Also known as the “fire-dwelling lizard”, the vembekognith is a small, brown-colored lizard. Its coloration begins near the base of its tail and extends toward the top of its head. Neck rings may also be present. The head generally appears angry. If a vembekognith wishes to take a bite out of a person or its tail, it makes a sharp, slashing motion.

Spinocephaly – This type of lizard looks like a dragon in the right hand side of its torso. The tail appears to be bent like that of a dragon. The neck is arched like that of a dragon. Preferring to rest on rough surfaces, the spinocephaly has been found resting in burrows or rocks, as well as in sand dunes. It preys upon rodents, lizards, insects, and even birds. Has a strong bite, especially upon the initial touch.

Terrestrial – There are many lizards that are terrestrial. A good example of this type is the rock lizard. As its name implies, it prefers to dwell in rocks, logs, and cliffs. Has a smooth, velvety hide, long legs, and powerful bite.

Aquatic – There are several types of lizards that may be found underwater. One of these is the great moray eel, which is widely seen in the Southeastern United States and Canada. Usually, they tend to stay out of the sunlight, but may come into contact with plankton and other organisms in the water when it is bright enough.