Ground agama
A species of Rüppell’s agama Scientific name : Agama aculeata Genus : Rüppell’s agama
Ground agama, A species of Rüppell’s agama
Scientific name: Agama aculeata
Genus: Rüppell’s agama
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The ground agama (Agama aculeata) is a species of lizard from the Agamidae family, found in most of sub-Saharan Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Republic of South Africa, Mozambique, S Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, Swaziland).
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Ground agama typically relies on a diet of primarily arthropods. These reptiles prefer consuming various species of insects, especially ants and beetles, but can also consume plants during dietary shortages.
Appearance
Ground agama is a moderately-sized lizard with an elongated, streamlined body coated in rough scales. It prominently displays a crest of pointed scales along the top its body and tail. This species is typically a dull grey-brown color, but males turn a vivid blue during the mating season. Females retain their muted coloration and are smaller than males. Notably, ground agama has sharp, curved claws aiding in its arboreal lifestyle.
Behavior
Ground agama is a diurnal, territorial species, often found basking in sunlight to regulate body temperature. It exhibits distinctive head-bobbing behavior during aggression or courtship. Territory is marked through visual displays and chase-offs. It predominantly feeds on insects and is adaptively camouflaged to its arid habitat.
Population
Stable
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Rüppell’s agama Species
Ground agama