| Actual Image
Rocky Habitat (56)
Argus
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3833 W: 190 N: 11412]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (35173) | This is the Cyprus sub-species of an Agama Lizard that is found in at least five seperate sub-species from Greece eastwards. It is known as the Hardun Agama (Laudakia stellio cypriaca).
We saw this species quite commonly along the rocky coast. This male was taken on the rocks just below our hotel. At about 30 cm long he is pretty well full grown and he allowed me get get within 5 meters before scampering away into a crack in the rock.
Agamids are found mainly in Africa, Australia and Asia and the American equivalents, to which they are related, are Iguanids. The male can be quite colourful, especially during the breeding season and they often guard a territory by jerking the head up and down. The Water-dragons of Australia are Agamids that can approach a meter in length, including the tail.
They also have a certain abilty to change the colours of the skin to be camouflaged. Hardun Lizards are well camouflaged in their rocky habitats but many live in trees and are coloured accordingly. In both types of habitat they hunt various invertebrates.
The tail is rather spikey, which is reflected in the Swedish name, Taggagam. The WORKSHOP shows a half-grown juvenile
This image was taken with the camera hand-held and after slight cropping it was selectively sharpened. |
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