A colorful and widely recognized lizard found across sub-Saharan Africa. This lizard is often seen in urban areas, as well as in more natural habitats like savannas, grasslands, and rocky regions. One of the most striking features of the common agama is its vibrant coloration, especially in males, which makes it easily identifiable and a favorite subject of interest among those who enjoy observing reptiles.
Male common agamas are known for their bright and vivid colors, particularly during the breeding season. The head and neck of the male often turn a bright orange or red, while the body can range from deep blue to greenish or even purple, making the lizard stand out against the background of its environment. This bold coloration is used to attract females and to assert dominance over other males in the area. Outside of the breeding season, males may have a more subdued coloration, with less intense shades of brown, gray, or green. Females and younger agamas tend to have more muted colors, usually in shades of brown or gray, which helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.
The common agama is a medium-sized lizard with a sturdy body, strong limbs, and a long tail that helps with balance and quick movements. These lizards are excellent climbers and are often seen perched on rocks, walls, or trees, basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Like all reptiles, agamas are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external sources of heat, such as sunlight, to stay warm and active.
Common agamas are primarily insectivores, which means they eat mostly insects. Their diet includes ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates. They are active hunters, using their sharp eyesight to spot prey and their quick reflexes to catch it. Sometimes, they may also eat small amounts of plant material, but insects are their main food source. This diet makes them beneficial to their environments, as they help control insect populations.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Comoros
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
India
Kenya
Liberia
Madagascar
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Réunion
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Togo
UgandaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
