Komodo dragon
This is the biggest lizard in the world. It has 60 sharp teeth. Watch out for its bite. Its spit has venom in it. That means its spit is full of poison.
Does it seem like a dragon to you?
Sergey Uryadnikov/Alamy Stock Photo (Komodo Dragon); Chien Lee/Minden Pictures (Gliding Lizard); MD Al-amin/500px/Getty Images (Dragonfly); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)
Real-Life Dragons?
These animals have the word “dragon” in their names. Do you think they are like the dragons in stories?
From the February 2026 Issue
Learning Objective: Children will evaluate whether animals with “dragon” in their names are like fictional dragons.
Komodo Dragon
Flying Dragon
Whee!
Look up! There is a little lizard in the sky. It jumps from trees and stretches its legs. Then it glides in the air. Whee!
Does it seem like a dragon to you?
Blue Sea Dragon
It is so tiny!
This tiny sea slug has a blue body. It has six frilly arms. It can use those arms to sting. The little sea slug also has sharp teeth!
Does it seem like a dragon to you?
Dragonfly
Have you seen this kind of insect? It uses its colorful wings to fly. It has a long body that looks like a tail.
Does it seem like a dragon to you?
Dragon or Bird?
great eared nightjar (left), Toothless (right)
This bird is called a nightjar. Do you think it looks like Toothless from the How to Train Your Dragon movies?
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