Peninsular rock agama
A species of Sand loving, Also known as Rock dragon, Saxicolus lizard Scientific name : Psammophilus dorsalis Genus : Sand loving
Peninsular rock agama, A species of Sand loving
Also known as:
Rock dragon, Saxicolus lizard
Scientific name: Psammophilus dorsalis
Genus: Sand loving
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Raghuraj Hegde , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Peninsular rock agama or South Indian rock agama, Psammophilus dorsalis, is a common species of agama found on rocky hills in south India. An allied species, Psammophilus blanfordanus, is found in the Eastern Ghats, but north of the range of this species.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Peninsular rock agama primarily feeds on leaves, stems and flower buds of various plant species. It exhibits distinct selection in plant variety depending on season, dietary requirements, and food availability, making it an opportunistic herbivore.
Appearance
Peninsular rock agama is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body covered in smooth, granular scales. Its predominant color is an earthy brown, but it features striking black stripes edged with white, extending from the head to the tail. Adult males are distinguished by a prominent greenish-blue throat patch during the breeding season.
Behavior
Peninsular rock agama is an agamid lizard, diurnally active and displaying remarkable thermoregulation aptitude conducive to its arid habitat. Notably, territorial aggression towards conspecific males is manifested through head-bobbing, push-ups, and chase-offs. Peninsular rock agama's diet includes insects and vegetation, with courting rituals consisting of complex physical gestures.
Population
Stable
Photo By Raghuraj Hegde , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Sand loving Species
Peninsular rock agama