Tree agamas

Southern tree agama or Black necked agama

Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis

There are two subspecies of tree agamas, the Southern tree agama (Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis) and Acanthoscerus atricollis loveridgei.

Tree agamas are large, arboreal lizards that live in sub Sahara Africa . The males have a large, triangular, vivid blue head and a striking, golden back. Young agamas are pale brown and grey. The females are very similar to young juvenile agamas.

Agamas is a family of lizards that are native to Africa, Asia and South Eastern Europe . These lizards all share the same features: a long tail, five fingers on every foot and an appetite for insects.

Agamas are particularly aggressive and if threatened by another male they will interlock in battle. If they feel vulnerable they will (depending on the species) scurry up a tree or down a crack in a rock. In some species males may have a blue, orange or red head. These brightly coloured features are used to attract females or to intimidate other smaller males.

Agamas are placed in the suborder Iguania, that includes agamas, chameleons, anoles and iguanas. Tree agamas are placed in agaminae, a subfamily of African, Asian and Australian agamas. Southern tree agamas are then placed in the Acanthoscerus genus, consisting mainly of rock agamas and other tree agamas.

BYE