Shield-tailed Agama

Taxobox
name = Xenagama taylori


image_caption = "Xenagama taylori"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Iguania
familia = Agamidae
subfamilia = Agaminae
genus = "Xenagama"
species = "X. taylori"
binomial = "Xenogama taylori"
binomial_authority =

The Shield-tailed Agama (or Turnip-tailed Agama, "Xenagama taylori") is a lizard found in Somalia and Ethiopia. It lives on arid flat land, sometimes on hilly landscapes, sandy but also hard grounds where they dig deep galleries. It survives at 45 to 50 degrees Celsius maximum temperature, but average ranges between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius in a very dry environment, with exception of strong spring storms and high humidity at that time.

The lizard is less than 10 cm in length, and its hatchlings are just over a centimeter and weight only three grams. As such size makes it vulnerable to even small predators, it uses its spiny tail to block its burrows at night. This small lizard is essentially insectivorous, but has been seen to eat vegetables (grass, fruits, berries). The species is sexually dimorphic, with males are thinner and smaller and their chin turn blue when excited. Males have larger anal pores enclosed by a waxy yellow substance.

In captivity

"Xenagama taylori" should be kept in small groups of one male with several females. Each individual needs to be able to get under a heating/basking lamp, as even females are very territorial. They do need thick and hard substrate so they can actually do what they prefer to do: dig. Terrarium should contain rocks for climbing, however these must sit securely on the ground as "Xenagama" will dig below the rocks. A small water bowl is necessary, however they prefer drinking water droplets from regular misting (every second day). For a group of 4 (1 male and 3 females), the terrarium should be at least 150 cm long and 60 cm high and deep.

References

* Tim Flannery and Peter Schouten, "Astonishing Animals: Extraordinary Creatures and the Fantastic Worlds They Inhabit". New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2004. Page 130.