Reptile · GBIF taxon 5226250
Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Agama
Agama mwanzaeAlso known as Spider-Man Agama, Mwanza Rock Agama, Flat-headed Rock Agama
Dominant males feature striking red or violet heads paired with deep blue bodies, earning them a popular pop-culture nickname. These lizards inhabit granite outcrops known as kopjes across East Africa, where they defend prime basking territories against rival males. Throughout the daytime, they perform energetic head-bobs and push-up displays to assert dominance and attract females.
DiurnalColorfulReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
Predators
- Raptors
- Snakes
- Mongooses
ThreatsLocal overcollection for the pet trade, habitat degradation
HabitatsGranite kopjes, rocky savannahs, shrublands
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- GenusAgama
- SpeciesAgama mwanzae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a mild defensive bite if cornered; observe safely from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Rock Spotting: Search sunny rock faces and granite boulders during the warmest hours of the day.
- Approach Slowly: Move carefully to observe male territorial displays without startling them into crevices.
- Photography: Use a zoom lens to capture their vivid coloration from a comfortable distance.
Close Relative Lennart Hudel / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative
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