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 Rainbow Lizards
(Agamidae
agama)
Rainbow lizards,
which earn their name from the long colorful
bands of color that run lengthwise down
their bodies, are members of the Agamid
family. Males are typically blue, with
red heads. Females are a duller gray,
with muted bands of color. They have
smooth scales, with well-developed legs and
long, straight tails. Their bodies
average between 4 - 6", while their tails
can stretch for another 8 - 12".
Agamids include 3000 different lizards which
are widespread throughout the temperate and
tropical regions in the Old World.
They are most often found in Africa.
Many agamids live around human habitations
such as lodges and do-it-yourself camps.
They feed on insects and other small
invertebrates, and some species supplement
these with fruits and leaves. Captive
agamids thrive well on small mealworms and
crickets.
All agamids lay eggs. The number of
eggs in a clutch varies according to the
species. Some clutches are very small,
and some are huge (between 12 - 100), but
the average is 25 - 30 eggs in each clutch.
The males indulge in distinctive mating
behavior. One will fight another by
battering with its tail, and sexual success
seems to determine the intensity of its
color. The winner of a harem of
females is always startlingly bright, but
the defeated male turns a dull grey, similar
to the females. To attract a female,
the male will bob its head and show its
bright throat. If the female is
willing, they will move closer together and
mate. A male's color will also change
if is stressed, or feels threatened.
Habitat
Agamids love to run and climb, so provide
them with a large enclosure, and plenty of
hiding places. Make sure their
enclosure is kept very warm, to simulate
their native environment. Fresh water
is essential. Try to vary their diet
by offering crickets, mealworms, fruit
flies, waxworms, earthworms, and other
commonly available insects.
With proper care, these lovely lizards
should live for several years. |
