Caudal Musculature of the South Indian Flying Lizard Draco dussumieri Dum. and Bibr.

The modifications noticed in the caudal musculature of the South Indian Flying Lizard, Draco dussumieri , are described. The caudal musculature consists of the superficial ilio‐caudalis and ischio‐caudalis and the deeper ventral caudo‐femoralis brevis and caudo‐femoralis longus . There is an accessory tendon extending between the outer border of the tendon of the caudo‐femoralis longus and the tendinous origin of the gastrocnemius . In the male the copulatory organ is provided with a retractor muscle. Attached to the ventral surface of the penis sheath is another muscle which helps in everting the penis. This latter muscle is present in the female also as a vestigeal one attached to the postero‐lateral corners of the cloacal chamber. The modifications in the caudal musculature are attributable to the gliding habits of this lizard. Draco dussumieri , the South Indian Flying Lizard is unique in having a patagium for gliding from tree to tree. Associated with the development of the patagium, the musculature has undergone a number of adaptive modifications. The modifications of the trunk musculature have been published elsewhere (John 1970). The present communication is a study of the caudal musculature of this lizard.