Mwanza flat-headed rock agama

The Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) or the Spider-Man agama, because of its coloration, is a lizard reptile in the family Agamidae, found in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya.[2]

Mwanza flat-headed rock agama
Male, Serengeti, Tanzania
Female, Serengeti, Tanzania

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Agama
Species:
A. mwanzae
Binomial name
Agama mwanzae
Loveridge, 1923
Synonyms

Agama agama mwanzae
Agama planiceps mwanzae

It lives in semideserts and can often be seen in the heat of the day basking on rocks or kopjes. The male's head, neck, and shoulders are bright red or violet, while the body is dark blue. The female is mostly brown and is difficult to distinguish from female agamas of other species. This lizard is often confused with the red-headed rock agama (Agama agama).[3] Males preferably have around five breeding partners and are highly territorial. Once a male has won over a female, the lizard will perform exotic head bobs and head swinging to court her. [4]

The species has become a fashionable pet due to the male's coloration, which resembles the comic-book superhero Spider-Man.[5]

References
  1. Menegon, M. & Spawls, S. (2009). "Agama mwanzae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2009.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Agama mwanzae at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  3. Spawls, S.; Howell, K. M.; Drewes, R. C. (2006). Reptiles and Amphibians of East Africa. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  4. Kennedy, A. S., & Kennedy, V. (2014). Animals of the serengeti: And ngorongoro conservation area. Princeton, UNITED STATES: Princeton University Press.
  5. "Spider-Man lookalike lizard is latest exotic pet craze". The Telegraph. 21 September 2009.


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