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What is an Agama Lizard?

Casey Kennedy
Casey Kennedy

An agama lizard, Agama agama, is a colorful lizard that is native to eastern Africa and is typically found in Kenya and Ethiopia. The adult male will generally grow to around 10 inches (about 25.4 cm) long, but the female is somewhat smaller and grows to about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) in length. This, however, is not true of all agama lizards since some adults can be a good bit smaller and may only reach a length of around 5 inches (about 12.7 cm) even when full-grown.

Agama lizards are sometimes referred to as rainbow lizards because of the bright shades of color on their bodies. The females, younger males, and adolescents are generally greenish-brown or light-brown colored and may have white underbellies and side markings. They may also sometimes have olive-green heads. Dominant males give the rainbow lizards their name. These colorful creatures are easily recognized by their bright blue bodies, yellow to orange-yellow tails, and heads of red or yellow.

Agama lizards in captivity are often fed crickets.
Agama lizards in captivity are often fed crickets.

Male agama lizards also have the unusual ability to change color. They will often use this ability to attract females or when circling another male to fight. Males may also change colors when sunning on rocks and typically will position themselves on an area above the juniors and females to show dominance.

Breeding season for the agama lizard generally is March through May. To initiate her willingness to breed, the female agama will expose her hindquarters to the male and then run away. The male will begin his courtship by bobbing his head up and down. Once mating has occurred, the female will lay from two to 20 eggs that usually hatch in one to five months.

Agama lizards are typically found in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Agama lizards are typically found in Kenya and Ethiopia.

These types of lizards are insectivores, meaning that their diet primarily consists of different types of insects. When they are in the wild, the agama lizard dines on ants, termites, grasshoppers, and beetles as the primary staples in their diet. They will also eat a variety of vegetation and fruits, and may hunt small animals, such as mice or other small reptiles.

An agama lizard may eat mice.
An agama lizard may eat mice.

When kept in captivity, the main diet of the agama lizard is often crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and locust. The lizards require low levels of humidity but do need a fresh supply of drinking water. To maintain a healthy environment, enclosures require daytime temperatures of at least 90° F (about 32° C) with a cooling area of 80° F (about 26° C). Night temperatures are cooler and should average around 76° F (about 24° C) throughout the enclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Agama lizard and where can it be found?

When kept in captivity, the agama lizard requires a fresh supply of drinking water.
When kept in captivity, the agama lizard requires a fresh supply of drinking water.

Agama lizards are a diverse group of reptiles belonging to the family Agamidae, which includes over 60 species. They are commonly found in Africa, with some species also present in Southern Europe, Central Asia, and India. These lizards are known for their vivid colors, especially in males, and their ability to adapt to various habitats, from deserts to forests.

What do Agama lizards eat?

Agama lizards are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diet rich in ants, beetles, and other small insects. However, they are opportunistic feeders and can also consume plant material, making them partially omnivorous. Their diet can vary depending on the availability of food sources in their environment.

How do Agama lizards communicate?

Agama lizards communicate through a combination of visual signals and body language. Males often display bright colors to attract females or to intimidate rivals. They also perform head bobs, push-ups, and extend their dewlaps as part of their territorial and mating displays. These behaviors are crucial for social interactions within their species.

What is the lifespan of an Agama lizard?

The lifespan of an Agama lizard varies by species, but on average, they can live between 4 to 8 years in the wild. In captivity, with proper care, they may live longer due to the absence of predators and consistent access to food and medical attention.

How do Agama lizards regulate their body temperature?

Agama lizards, like other reptiles, are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They bask in the sun to warm up and seek shade or burrow into cooler ground to avoid overheating. This thermoregulation is vital for their digestion and overall physiological functions.

Are Agama lizards endangered?

The conservation status of Agama lizards varies by species. While many Agama species are not currently endangered, habitat destruction and the pet trade can pose threats to certain populations. It's important to support conservation efforts and responsible pet ownership to ensure the survival of these diverse and fascinating reptiles.

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    • Agama lizards in captivity are often fed crickets.
      By: viter
      Agama lizards in captivity are often fed crickets.
    • Agama lizards are typically found in Kenya and Ethiopia.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Agama lizards are typically found in Kenya and Ethiopia.
    • An agama lizard may eat mice.
      By: Anatolii
      An agama lizard may eat mice.
    • When kept in captivity, the agama lizard requires a fresh supply of drinking water.
      By: EcoPim-studio
      When kept in captivity, the agama lizard requires a fresh supply of drinking water.