Steppe agama
A species of Trapelus Scientific name : Trapelus sanguinolentus Genus : Trapelus
Steppe agama, A species of Trapelus
Scientific name: Trapelus sanguinolentus
Genus: Trapelus
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Dûrzan cîrano , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Steppe agama is an adept climber and sun-bather, displaying a striking behavioural adaptation that involves flipping its body onto one side when exposed to intense heat, optimizing thermo-regulation. It's predominantly insectivorous, hunting for small arthropods through active foraging, demonstrating complex behaviors that play a significant role in their desert ecosystem.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Steppe agama primarily subsists on a carnivorous diet, consisting chiefly of invertebrates. Notably, ants and beetles form a significant part of its food intake, supplemented occasionally by small lizards and spiders.
Appearance
Steppe agama is a medium-sized agamid lizard with a slim, elongated body covered in smooth scales. It exhibits a predominant brown to sandy hue with darker patterns or streaks. An enlarged row of scales makes up a 'fringe' on its flanks. Males typically display a rich, red color on their throats and bellies during the breeding season. It possesses a long tail, useful for balance while navigating rocky terrain.
Behavior
Steppe agama is a diurnal animal regularly seen basking in sunlit areas. It's known for its opportunistic feeding behavior, consuming a diverse range of insects and arachnids. This solitary species uses body color changes to communicate, often displaying bright colors when aggressive. Territories are commonly marked by head-bobbing and push-up displays.
Population
Stable
Photo By Dûrzan cîrano , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Trapelus Species
Steppe agama