Stats

Lifespan: 10-15 yrs
Size: Small
Diet: Insectivore
Activity: Diurnal
Social: Colony
Biome: Tropical savanna
Range: West Africa
Movement: Running
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Speed
Status: Uncommon

About

This lizard lives among the rocky outcrops and scrublands of West Africa. Males turn bright orange and blue to signal dominance during territorial disputes.

Life cycle

1.
hatchling
A miniature lizard cuts itself free from its egg and starts hunting tiny insects within days.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile sheds repeatedly as it grows, often duller-colored than adults and quick to dart for cover.
3.
adult
Fully grown with adult coloration and size.

Learn more

View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Agama
Species: Agama picticauda