Agama Lizards, An Introduction
Genus: Agama | Family: Agamidae
Agama lizards are one of the most commonly found lizards in Africa and Eurasia. They do well in both cities and forests. To thrive, they need plenty of food, good basking spots, and hiding places, like thatched huts or cracks in rocks. Agama agama is the most widespread and most often spotted species.
This AnimalSake article lists some facts about the behavior, habits, and life cycle of the Agama lizard. Have a look.
Male agama lizards fight amongst themselves to gain control of a territory. Only the winner gets to mate with the females in his group.
Physical Description
Agama lizards have whitish undersides. Their bodies are usually brown, olive green, or gray. They grow to about ten to fourteen inches long. Males are larger than females.
The dominant male (called the cock) looks very different from the rest. His body turns dark blue, and his head, neck, and tail turn bright orange or red. These colors are strongest during the mating season. You can easily spot him in a group because all the other lizards look dull and pale by comparison.
When resting or feeling threatened, the cock turns brown like the others. But when he basks in the sun, his colors come back. He takes the best basking spot in the area. Subordinate males sit nearby, and the females spread out behind them.
Habitat
Agama lizards are active during the day. They usually bask in the morning sun to warm up their bodies. If it gets too hot, they move to shady spots or burrows. If a predator appears, they can sprint away and squeeze into rock crevices. They can also change their bright colors to blend in with their surroundings.
Agama lizards are gentle animals, except for the dominant male. He is very protective of his territory against other adult males. Before a fight, the cock's head turns brown and white spots appear on his body.
The male gets worked up. He nods fast, hops sideways, and bobs and arches his body to look threatening. This gives his rival a chance to back off. He repeats these displays several times before actually attacking.
Diet
Agamas are insectivorous, feeding chiefly on ants and termites. They also eat caterpillars, moths, beetles, and flies. When insects are hard to find, they can eat grass, berries, seeds, and sometimes the eggs of smaller lizards.
Agamas wait quietly in the shade or in thick plants. When prey moves into view, they dash out and grab it. They snap small animals in their jaws or snatch them with their tongues.
The tip of their tongue is covered in sticky mucous glands. This helps them pick up tiny insects like ants and termites. They can even leap into the air to catch prey.
Test Your Agama Lizard Knowledge!
5 quick questions. Can you ace the Rainbow Lizard Quiz?
Mating
Females reach maturity earlier than males. During the mating season, their colors become more intense. To impress a female, the cock raises and lowers his head again and again, it looks just like he's doing push-ups!
The female digs a hole about 2 inches deep in soft, moist soil. She lays two clutches of eggs there. Egg-laying happens between June and September. The hatchlings emerge after a few weeks.
The sex of the eggs is determined by the temperature of the soil. Higher temperatures will produce males, and lower temperatures will develop females.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the agama lizard called a rainbow lizard?
Because dominant males display brilliant dark-blue bodies with bright-orange or red heads during the mating season.
What do agama lizards eat?
They are insectivorous, feeding chiefly on ants and termites, plus caterpillars, moths, beetles, flies, and sometimes plant matter.
How does temperature affect agama egg sex?
Higher soil temperatures produce males; lower temperatures develop females.
Are agama lizards endangered?
No, there is no special conservation status listed for agama lizards because of their common occurrence.
Predators and Conservation Status
There is no special conservation status listed for agama lizards because of their common occurrence. Their main predators are snakes, young leopards, birds, and small mammals.
Agama lizards are beautiful creatures. Their bright colors make them easy to spot. But don't get too close, they are quick to notice a potential threat, and can run off in an instant.
Explore More Animals
Different Types of Lizards: A Field Guide to 26 FamiliesMeet 26 families of lizards - agamas, geckos, chameleons, iguanas, Komodo dragons and more - with photos, where they live, what they eat, and one amazing fact f
Insanely Killer Facts about the Red Spitting CobraA brilliant display of colors is a characteristic feature of the red spitting cobra. However, be warned! When threatened, it spits venom which is aimed at the a
Truly Intriguing Facts About the African Bush ViperAn African bush viper is a rough-scaled, highly venomous viper found in central and western Africa. Discover its colors, fangs, hunting tactics, and more.
Praying Mantis Habitat: Exploring Where These Insects DwellPraying mantises are carnivorous insects, with nearly 2,000 species found on the planet. Discover where they live, how they camouflage, hunt, and survive, plus
Fun fact for today!Male agama lizards fight for territory, only the winner earns the right to mate with the females in his group!