What is an Agama Lizard?
Agama Lizard is a small terrestrial animal which belongs to the class reptilia. It measures about 10 centimetres in length excluding the tail. It usually has a long tail which might be twice the length of the body. There are different subspecies of the agama lizard but the commonest one is usually very colourful. The body has a blue hue while the head can be anything between red to yellow. The tail is usually red and the underside is white in colour.
Evolution
The agama lizard is believed to have evolved from the amphibians which include toads and frogs. Mammals which human belong to are believed to have evolved from the reptiles which the agama lizard belong to. Snakes being to the same class reptilia . However, snakes are believed to have evolved when the lizard lost their legs.
Habitat
The agama lizard is found in almost all parts of the world including Africa, The America's and the Mediterranean area. It is not found in Antarctica.
Sexual Behavior
They live in colonies. Each colony is made up of a single male and up to half a dozen females. There may be other subordinate males. Only the king male called the coxk is allowed to mate with the female. The subordinate males can only mate if they successfully eliminate the cock or if they can establish a colony of their own. The boundaries of a colony can be physical structures like a tree or pole or it can just be made with the male urine.
Continuity of Life
Each female lays about 8-10 eggs in a safe and suitable soil and covers it. The baby lizards hatch after about 14 weeks and have to fend for themselves till adulthood.
The male agama lizard takes about 2 years to achieve full reproductive function while the female takes only 14-18 months.
Feeding Habit
The agama lizard feeds on insects and this feeding pattern is made possible by their sticky tongue which makes it easy for them to catch their prey midair and consume them.
Economic Importance
Shame Lizard helps to reduce the number of insects in our environment by actively eating them. Some scientists also believe that the mechanism by which agama lizard clings to walls can be studied and employed in the production of cat tires which could better adhere to slippery roads and reduce the risk of skidding.
Conclusion
The agama lizard is a unique animal which humans can learn a lot from.