Agamid Lizards

150 species

Agamid lizards are a family of over 300 species of iguanian lizards indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe. Many species of this family are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards. Agamids usually have well-developed, strong legs. Their tails cannot be shed and regenerated, though a certain amount of regeneration is observed in some. Many agamid species are capable of limited change in their colors to regulate their body temperature. In some species, males are more brightly colored than females, and colors play a part in signaling and reproductive behaviors. Although agamids generally inhabit warm environments, at least one species, the mountain dragon, is found in cooler regions. One of the key distinguishing features of the agamids is their teeth, which are borne on the outer rim of their mouths, rather than on the inner side of their jaws. Agamid lizards are generally diurnal, with good vision, and include a number of arboreal species, in addition to the ground- and rock-dwellers. Most need to bask in the sun to maintain elevated body temperatures. They generally feed on insects and other arthropods (such as spiders), although some larger species prefer small reptiles or mammals, nestling birds, flowers, or other vegetable matter in their diets.
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Agamid lizards are a family of over 300 species of iguanian lizards indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe. Many species of this family are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards. Agamids usually have well-developed, strong legs. Their tails cannot be shed and regenerated, though a certain amount of regeneration is observed in some. Many agamid species are capable of limited change in their colors to regulate their body temperature. In some species, males are more brightly colored than females, and colors play a part in signaling and reproductive behaviors. Although agamids generally inhabit warm environments, at least one species, the mountain dragon, is found in cooler regions. One of the key distinguishing features of the agamids is their teeth, which are borne on the outer rim of their mouths, rather than on the inner side of their jaws. Agamid lizards are generally diurnal, with good vision, and include a number of arboreal species, in addition to the ground- and rock-dwellers. Most need to bask in the sun to maintain elevated body temperatures. They generally feed on insects and other arthropods (such as spiders), although some larger species prefer small reptiles or mammals, nestling birds, flowers, or other vegetable matter in their diets.
show less