Known as the Spiderman lizard, the Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) is a colorful lizard that lives in semideserts in East Africa. An Instagram post from venueearth features this fascinating creature. With its bright red head, neck, and shoulders, and vibrant blue color on the rest of its body, the lizard’s appearance is reminiscent of a Marvel superhero. Its unusual look makes it popular as a pet, but this species requires special care. Let’s take a look at some of the fascinating facts about these unusual lizards.
Mwanza flat-headed lizards are a stunning shade of bright blue and red.
©Connor Kovack/Shutterstock.com
Agama Lizards
The Mwanza flat-headed rock agama is in the agama genus of lizards. There are around 40 species within the genus, and many of those species live in sub-Saharan Africa. Agama lizards live in small groups with a dominant male leading several females and subordinate males. If you see a group of agama lizards sunning themselves on rocks, the dominant male will usually occupy the highest spot. Agama lizards are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.
About the Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama
The Mwanza flat-headed rock agama is mainly found in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya. Most grow around 6 to 9 inches in length, although some have been reported as reaching up to a foot. Males are slightly larger than females. The lizards are currently on the IUCN Red List classified as a species of Least Concern. However, some local populations are vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change.
Male Mwanza flat-headed rock agamas use their vibrant colors to attract females and establish dominance.
©Olha Solodenko/Shutterstock.com
Mwanza flat-headed rock agamas have flat heads and slim bodies, which help them navigate rocky areas. They can quickly dash into a crevice to hide out from predators. These lizards not only resemble Spiderman in appearance, but they are also just as agile, able to scale vertical walls like a superhero. According to the Instagram post, “These little climbers are fast, fearless, and love sunbathing on warm stones or scaling walls with ease. Nature truly has its own version of Spider-Man, just with scales instead of a suit!”
Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama: Predators and Prey
These nimble lizards are excellent hunters of insects such as termites, beetles, and grasshoppers. They may also eat plants, small animals, or eggs of other lizards. Agamas have excellent vision and will sit still, waiting for an insect to pass by before pouncing with their powerful back legs. Their sharp teeth and strong jaws help them eat insects with even the toughest of exteriors. These small lizards have many predators, including snakes, larger reptiles, mongoose, and birds of prey.
Why Are Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama So Vibrantly Colored?
Only the males are brightly colored. Female Mwanza flat-headed rock agamas are dull brown, which makes them difficult to distinguish from other agama species. Males can change color instantly. They use their vibrant colors to establish dominance and attract females, often bobbing their heads to signal interest in mating.
Female Mwanza flat-headed rock agamas are dull brown, but the males are colorful.
©Roger de la Harpe/Shutterstock.com
However, if threatened or frightened, a male lizard can quickly turn a dull shade of brown to blend in with its surroundings. After losing a fight, a male will also change to a duller color. During mating season, the males grow even more colorful.
Males Are Territorial
Males are very territorial and will fight any other male that enters their space. A dominant male often maintains a territory with a group of females, with which he mates, and several subordinate males. Groups may number up to 20 lizards. Males will vigorously defend their territories from other males.
Do Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama Make Good Pets?
Mwanza flat-headed rock agamas are favorite pets with their superhero appearance. In general, agamas are said to be good pets as they become tame when handled regularly. Although they are so fast and agile, owners need to be careful to prevent escapes. Anyone planning on keeping an agama as a pet needs to do extensive research first.
Mwanza flat-headed rock agamas require warm temperatures (between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit) and a special diet of insects. Owners will need to provide UV lights, heat lamps, and feed the lizards live insects such as mealworms and crickets. Also note that these colorful lizards can live up to 15 years in captivity. You may also want to consider keeping more than one, as agama lizards live in groups in the wild and are happiest when kept with others. Experts recommend keeping only one dominant male with a group of females, as two males may fight for territory.
