Southern spiny agama
A species of Rüppell’s agama, Also known as Makgadikgadi spiny agama Scientific name : Agama hispida Genus : Rüppell’s agama
Southern spiny agama, A species of Rüppell’s agama
Also known as:
Makgadikgadi spiny agama
Scientific name: Agama hispida
Genus: Rüppell’s agama
Content
Description General Info
Photo By podmahog , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Southern spiny agama is renowned in the animal kingdom for its extremely social behaviour, forming large harems with a dominant male. Fascinatingly, it is a sun-loving creature that often basks in open sunlight, enabling it to regulate its body temperature thermally, a crucial aspect of its ecological adaptability. Its diet primarily consists of vegetation and insects, playing a significant role in controlling invertebrate populations in its ecosystem.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
The primary food source of southern spiny agama comprises predominantly of insects. This encompasses a range of arthropods such as beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers, with a preference for terrestrial prey.
Appearance
Southern spiny agama is a small, lizard-like creature with elongated bodies and sturdy limbs. Their bumpy, spinose scales cover the body depicting a rough-textured skin. The scales are predominantly tan or sandy brown, camouflaging seamlessly into their arid environments. Although generally uniform in coloration, they exhibit slight variations, with occasional darker spots or streaks. Male individuals develop vibrant blue coloration on the throat and sides during the breeding season, making them visually striking amidst their otherwise austere habitat.
Behavior
Southern spiny agama is notable for its diurnal nature, engaging in sun-basking to regulate body temperatures. Their social dynamics stem around hierarchical dominance displayed through explicit physical demonstrations. They are solitary desert dwellers with male southern spiny agama marking its territory with fecal pellets. This species possess an interesting threat display of puffing their bodies up to appear larger, while contracting pupils to pinpoints.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Rüppell’s agama Species
Southern spiny agama 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
