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Agama (genus) Lizard
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Thanks Fragman
An agama is any one of the various small, long-tailed, insect-eating lizards of the genus Agama. The agamid genus is composed of at least 31 species across Africa, where they are the most common lizard. They can be found in many sizes, from 5 inches to a foot in length and a wide variety of colors. One of the best known species is the red-headed rock agama (Agama agama), widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.
Agamas originally lived in forest and bush across Africa, but have since adapted to live in villages and compounds where their habitat has been cleared. They live inside the thatch of huts and other small spaces, emerging only to feed. If caught out in the open, agamas are able to run quickly on their hind legs to reach shelter. The desert agama can still be found in the dry areas of North Africa, though unlike their name implies, they avoid bare sand.[1]
Mature dominant males have bright orange and blue coloring and may have a red face. Subordinate males, or any that have recently been frightened will have a dull brown color. At night, all males turn a dark shade of brown.
Agamas are active during the day and after often found scampering around to snatch up their favorite foods. They can tolerate greater temperatures than most reptiles, but in the afternoon when temperatures reach around 38°C (100°F) they will settle into the shade and wait for it to cool. Frequented fighting breaks out between males which involves a lot of bobbing and weaving in an attempt to scare each other. If it comes to blows, they will lash out with their tails and threaten each other with open jaws. Many older males have broken tails as a result of such fights. Females may sometimes chase and fight each others, while hatchlings mimic the adults in preparation for their future.
Agamas are mainly insectivores. Their incisor-like front teeth are designs for quick cutting and chewing of their prey. They may also eat grass, berries, seeds and even the eggs of smaller lizards.
Most agamas are polygamous. Males may hold six or more females on their territory for breeding. During courtship, the male bobs his head to impress the female. Occasionally, females may initiate courtship by offering their hindquarters to the male and then running until he is able to catch up. The breeding season is typically March-May with eggs being laid in June-September during the season after the rains. Eggs are laid in clutches of up to twelve.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Subfamily: Agaminae
Genus: Agama
From wikipedia |
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- foozi
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1339 W: 0 N: 2585]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(9117) - [2009-07-26 5:07]
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Hi Durzan,
wow...I like this shot. Very stylish in a superbs natural style. The eye in the crack looks very interesting and good.
The natural colours of the rock is beautiful too with good
details of the lizard.
Nice catch ans very special.
Regards,
Foozi
hello Durzan
extraordinary presentation, very beautiful scene and subject,very fine shot
TFS
Nasos
Hola Durzan,
bastantes dias ya sin visitar tu galería. Gracias por tu amable comentario.
La fotografía es muy interesante, donde destaca sin duda el excelente encuadre conseguido así como la originalidad del conjunto.
Saludos y buena semana: Josep Ignasi.
Ciao Durzan, original capture of lizard in the rock, lovely composition with splendid natural colors, very well done, ciao Silvio
WOW!
I love this shot!
Very well seen, Dûrzan!
Goldy
nice agama lizard, TFS Ori
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- nglen
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2921 W: 34 N: 8658]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(32266) - [2009-07-26 11:41]
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Hi Durzan. This one has found aplace to hide . You were lucky to have seen it in the rocks. Good detail and natural colours. All with interesting nots . wel ldone TFS.
Nick..
İlginç ve güzel bir fotoğraf .
Tebrikler Durzan .
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- lousat
(19673)
- [2009-07-26 14:13]
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Hi Durzan,what a unusual and nice position of the lizard...ehehe...a very excellent work whit a top quality of sharpness and colors!! My best compliments,have a nice week,Luciano
Hi Durzan,
This is very nice capture. VEry interesting composition withte lizard trying to hide in the cracks. Nice eye contact. Very well done
TFS,
Kedar
Hello Durzan
a very pleasant shot of this lizard taken a sunbath on this roch, great details on the whole picture, i like his pose and the POV
wonderful natural colors and lighting
Have a great night
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3298 W: 77 N: 6531]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(41584)