Reptile · GBIF taxon 7504253
Starred Agama
Stellagama stellioAlso known as Roughtail Rock Agama, Hardun, Painted Agama, Rough Agama
Starred agamas are robust, spiky rock-dwelling lizards native to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. They spend warm mornings basking on sun-baked stone walls, boulders, and ancient ruins, performing rhythmic head-bobs to mark territory and signal rivals. Their rough, keeled scales and spiny tails provide traction and defense when squeezing tightly into narrow rock crevices.
ReptileBaskingTerritorial
Licensed referenceCharles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Ants
- Grasshoppers
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Snakes
- Feral cats
ThreatsHabitat loss, urban expansion, and local collection for the pet trade
HabitatsRocky hillsides, stone walls, ancient ruins, sea cliffs, Mediterranean scrub
Life span8–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesStellagama stellio
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a painful bite if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Strong jaws equipped with sharp teeth can deliver a painful bite that may break skin and introduce bacteria.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a flattened, heavy-bodied lizard with spiny keeled scales, dark skin, and a thick ringed tail.
- What to do
- Never attempt to grab or corner them against rock walls; admire their behaviors from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach Slowly: Move calmly and keep a low profile to prevent them from bolting into crevices.
- Look on Elevated Rocks: Scan sunlit stone structures and ruins during warm morning hours.
- Watch for Head Bobs: Observe from a distance to catch their characteristic territorial signaling.
Close Relative 
Family Relative (c) Chris Lindorff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Chris Lindorff · cc-by
Family Relative Lennart Hudel / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.