- Agama agama
-
Red-headed Rock Agama or
Common Agama
Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Order: Squamata Suborder: Iguania Family: Agamidae Subfamily: Agaminae Genus: Agama Species: A. agama Binomial name Agama agama
(Linnaeus, 1758)Subspecies A. a. agama (Linnaeus, 1758)
A. a. africana (Hallowell, 1844)
A. a. boensis Monard, 1940
A. a. mucosoensis Hellmich, 1957
A. a. savattieri Rochebrune, 1884
Male of the species photographed in Kenya
The Common Agama, Red-headed Rock Agama, or Rainbow Agama (Agama agama) is a species of lizard from the Agamidae family, found in most of Subsaharan Africa.
It can often be seen in the heat of the day. In the breeding season, the males develop their most dramatic markings, the head and neck and also tail turning bright orange, and the body dark blue. Outside of the breeding season, the male is a plain brown. The females and juveniles are always more cryptically marked. This lizard can be climbing rocks and walls. The diet is insects.
The males are territorial claiming relatively small to medium patches of land that they defend against other mature males. Juveniles and females reside within the territories unchallenged. The mature males become agitated when confronting each other; nods vigorously, arching, skipping sideways, and clashing tails. The loser is chased out of the territory.
References
- Spawls S, Howell KM, Drewes RC. Reptiles and Amphibians of East Africa, Princeton:Princeton University Press, 2006.
- Agama agama at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
- "Agama agama". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=683024.
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