Namibian rock agama

Namibian rock agama

We are delighted that Wolfgang Göttlinger has become the sponsor of the rock agama(Agama planiceps).

The Namibian rock agama(Agama planiceps) is a large species of the agama family (Agamidae). It is only found in the south-west of Angola and the north-west of Namibia, in south-west Africa.

Males and females of the Namibian rock agama show a clear sexual dimorphism, i.e. both sexes of this species look different. The body of the males is coloured metallic blue overall, with the head and tail being bright orange and thus extremely contrasting in colour to the rest of the body. The females, on the other hand, are olive-brown in colour with yellow spots on the front half of the body, making them much less conspicuous than the males.

The Namibian rock agama's favourite habitats are steppes and rocky landscapes. Here they go in search of their prey, which mainly consists of ants and termites. However, a variety of other insects are not spurned.

As with almost all African agama species, the Namibian rock agama's breeding season is between March and May. The males keep a harem of 6 or more females in their territories, which only they are allowed to mate with. Eggs are usually laid between June and September. The clutch can consist of up to 12 eggs.