Reptiles Guide

Agama
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Sauria Family: Agamidae Subfamily: Agaminae Genus: Agama
Species
See text.

Any of various small, long-tailed, insect-eating lizards of the genus Agama. The agamid genus is comprised of at least 31 species across Africa.

One of the best known species is the red-headed rock agama (Agama agama), widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Its original habitat is the savanna, but today it also lives within villages and towns. These agamas form groups of ten to twenty. The "leader" is an old male, while females and young males constitute the other members of the group. The colour is dark brown at night, but after dawn the colours of the dominant male will change: the body becomes light blue, head and tail bright orange. These colours may change again depending on the dominant male's mood. For instance, if male agamas fight, their heads will turn brown, and white spots appear on their body. Fights take place when a foreign agama male appears. It will try to dispute the leadership of the dominant male. When fighting, agamas hiss and attempt to hit each other's head with their tail. These strokes may be very violent and often result in haematomas or fractured jaws.
The females in the group are entirely brown. Often there is a highest-ranking female that remains in proximity to the leading male and struggles to repel other females.

Species

The following species are classified within the genus Agama:

• Agama aculeata
  Agama agama (agama lizard)
  Agama anchietae
  Agama armata
  Agama atra
  Agama bocourti
  Agama bottegi
  Agama boueti
  Agama boulengeri

Agama atra, Barrydale, Karoo, South Africa

• Agama caudospinosa
  Agama cornii
  Agama doriae
  Agama etoshae
  Agama gracilimembris
  Agama hartmanni
  Agama hispida
  Agama impalearis
  Agama insularis
  Agama kirkii
  Agama mehelyi
  Agama montana
  Agama mossambica
  Agama mwanzae
  Agama paragama
  Agama persimilis
  Agama planiceps
  Agama robecchii
  Agama rueppelli
  Agama sankaranica
  Agama spinosa
  Agama weidholzi

References

Manthey and Schuster. 1996. Agamid Lizards. T.F.H Publications Inc. U.S.A.