What Is an Agama Lizard?
An agama lizard, Agama agama, is a colorful lizard that is native to eastern Africa and is typically found in Kenya and Ethiopia. The adult male will generally grow to around 10 inches (about 25.4 cm) long, but the female is somewhat smaller and grows to about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) in length. This, however, is not true of all agama lizards since some adults can be a good bit smaller and may only reach a length of around 5 inches (about 12.7 cm) even when full-grown. Agama lizards are sometimes referred to as rainbow lizards because of the bright shades of color on their bodies. The females, younger males, and adolescents are generally greenish-brown or light-brown colored and may have white underbellies and side markings. They may also sometimes have olive-green heads. Dominant males give the rainbow lizards their name. These colorful creatures are easily recognized by their bright blue bodies, yellow to orange-yellow tails, and heads of red or yellow.
