Fauna
Reptile

Starred Agama

Stellagama stellio

Also 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
Starred Agama reference
Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, 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
Classification
  1. FamilyAgamidae
  2. SpeciesStellagama stellio
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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