Common agama
A species of Rüppell’s agama, Also known as Rainbow agama, Red-headed agama Scientific name : Agama agama Genus : Rüppell’s agama
Common agama, A species of Rüppell’s agama
Also known as:
Rainbow agama, Red-headed agama
Scientific name: Agama agama
Genus: Rüppell’s agama
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Thomas Brown , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
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 sub-Saharan Africa. The species name was formerly applied to a paraphyletic collection of taxa, and mitochondrial DNA analysis of various populations indicates they represent separate species. Consequently, three former subspecies A. a. africana, A. a. boensis, and A. a. mucosoensis are now considered separate spe
General Info
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Common agama predominantly feeds on insects, with a diet heavily skewed towards ants, spiders and beetles. Occasionally, they will supplement their diet through the consumption of tender plant substances for added nutritional value.
Appearance
Common agama is a medium-sized reptile possessing a slender body and distinctive triangular-shaped head. Its skin is tough and scaly, exhibiting bright shades of blue and red in males but drab colours in females. Mature males also flaunt a longer tail and a characteristic fan-shaped throat flap. The animal's vibrant colouration becomes more intense when basking in the sun or when involved in territorial disputes.
Behavior
Common agama are diurnal and arboreal reptiles known for their territorial display behaviors, whereby color changes: males can turn their bodies a vibrant blue to defend territories. They communicate visually, especially during mating rituals. Their diet consists primarily of insects and plants. They exhibit complex social interactions within hierarchical groups, typically dominated by a single male.
Population
Stable
Photo By Thomas Brown , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Rüppell’s agama Species
Common agama