Yes, there really are flying dragons! Draco are a family of lizards native to Southeast Asia. All members of this clan can fly, or more properly glide, by extending “wings” of loose skin attached to their ribs. The best known of these is Draco volans, a gliding lizard that’s popular in the pet trade.
These are not large lizards. An average flying dragon is 9 inches from tip to tail. Their “wings” spread about 6 inches. The head is blunt with a short nose, giving them a baby-like look. Most species have brown and gray mottled skin, providing camouflage in their treetop homes. Brighter patches on the throat and underwings may help them identify others of their species and make displays to drive intruders from their territory.
The native habitat of flying dragons is tropical forest, where they glide from tree to tree. Some varieties can glide up to 30 feet at a time. Females descend only to lay eggs and briefly guard their nest. Otherwise, these lizards stick to the treetops and feed on ants or termites. They will not fly if it is raining or windy.
Species are scattered from India to the islands of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, suggesting they have adapted to local conditions. Fortunately, these little guys have a dragon-like hardiness and have kept up their numbers in modern times. They are neither threatened nor endangered.
Wyrmflight 
Being a biologist, I’ve heard of these before. I enjoyed your article.
It’s kind of great, how many animals and even plants are named after dragons. Do you know of any I’ve missed?
I haven’t followed your blog for long, so I wouldn’t know if you’ve missed anything. You seem thorough, and you write interestingly and well.
Thank you so much!