Agamidae
Sign in to saveAgamidae is a family containing 582 species in 64 genera of iguanian lizards indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few locations in Southern Europe. Many species are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards.
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Agamidae is a large family of lizards with nearly 600 species found across Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of Southern Europe, many of which are popularly known as dragons or dragon lizards. These lizards matter because they represent significant biodiversity across multiple continents and are widely recognized in popular culture, making them important subjects for both scientific study and public interest in wildlife.
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8 sectionsContents
- Overview
- Reproduction
- Systematics and distribution
- Further classification
- Evolutionary history
- Predator responses
- References
- External links
Agamidae is a family containing 582 species in 64 genera of iguanian lizards indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few locations in Southern Europe. Many species are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards.
==Overview== Phylogenetically, they may be sister to the Iguanidae, and have similar appearances. Agamids usually have well-developed, strong legs. Their tails cannot be shed and regenerated like those of geckos (and several other families such as skinks), though a certain amount of regeneration is observed in some. Many agamid species are capable of limited change of their colours to regulate their body temperature. In some species, males are more brightly coloured than females, and colours play a part in signaling and reproductive behaviours. Although agamids generally inhabit warm environments, ranging from hot deserts to tropical rainforests, at least one species, the mountain dragon, is found in cooler regions. They are particularly diverse in Australia.