Reptile · GBIF taxon 5226316
Peters's Rock Agama
Agama picticaudaAlso known as African Redhead Agama, Peters' Agama, Rainbow Lizard, Red-headed Rock Agama
Dominant male Peters's rock agamas display striking flame-orange heads, rich indigo bodies, and distinctive black-and-orange banded tails while perching atop elevated basking spots. Subordinate males, females, and juveniles wear muted brown and grey camouflage that blends seamlessly with urban concrete, tree bark, and natural rock faces. Highly adaptable and active during the hottest hours of the day, these lizards communicate territorial boundaries and attract mates through energetic series of head-bobs and push-ups.
DiurnalColorfulTerritorial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Beetles
- Crickets
Predators
- Hawks
- Snakes
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsLocalized eradication efforts where introduced; generally stable
HabitatsRocky outcrops, stone walls, urban structures, open savannahs
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- GenusAgama
- SpeciesAgama picticauda
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a distance; capable of a sharp bite if caught or handled.
Responsible observation
- Basking Spots: Look for vibrant dominant males perched on sunlit stone walls, rock piles, or building foundations.
- Behavior Observation: Watch for rapid head-bobbing and push-ups used to defend territory and court females.
- Approach Distance: Move slowly without casting a shadow, as they dart into crevices at the slightest sudden movement.
Competitor Nosferattus / CC0 · cc0
Close Relative Lennart Hudel / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Julielangford / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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