(Agama sanguinolenta)
STEPPE AGAMA (Agama sanguinolenta) is one of the most characteristic lizards of the steppes and deserts of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. It differs from other Central Asian representatives of its genus in its homogeneous, ribbed scales of the body and long tail with pointed spines and a small ear opening, in the depth of which the eardrum is located. The total length of the animal does not exceed 30 cm, with adult males noticeably longer than females. Young agamas are light gray on top with a row of light gray, more or less oval spots running along the ridge, extending to the base of the tail, and two rows of the same elongated spots on the sides of the body. With age, the color changes, and adult lizards become gray or yellowish-gray, and in males the dark spots often disappear almost completely. With increasing temperature, as well as under the influence of some kind of nervous excitement, the modest colors of sexually mature agamas give way to extremely bright colors, and significant color differences are found between the sexes. In males, the throat and entire lower surface of the body and limbs become dark or even black-blue, cobalt blue spots appear on the back, and the tail becomes bright orange-yellow. Under the same conditions, in females the main background of the body becomes bluish or greenish-yellow, the dark spots on the back become bright rusty orange, and the legs and tail acquire the same color as in males, but less bright. The steppe agama inhabits sandy, clayey and rocky deserts and semi-deserts, adhering to places with shrubby or semi-arboreal vegetation. It is also found in tugai forests along river banks, often in close proximity to water. Steppe agamas use rodent burrows, spaces under stones, and cracks in the ground as shelters. Less often, they dig their own burrows, located between the roots or at the base of stones. They feed on all kinds of insects, spiders and wood lice, as well as succulent parts of plants, in particular flowers. Among insects, these lizards prefer ants, which they deftly capture with their sticky tongue. Agamas run very quickly, keeping their body elevated on outstretched legs and not touching the ground with their tail. They climb extremely deftly along the trunks and branches of trees and bushes, sometimes jumping from branch to branch at a distance of up to half a meter. In villages they can be seen running along the vertical surfaces of adobe and stone fences and walls of buildings. Each adult lizard has a relatively small habitat area, beyond which it very rarely goes. During the breeding season, sexually mature males climb to the upper branches of bushes, from where the area is clearly visible. When a rival appears, the owner quickly rolls down to meet him and puts the newcomer to flight. One, or rarely two, females live on a male’s site. At the end of April - beginning of May, the female digs a cone-shaped hole 3-5 cm deep in loose soil and lays 5-10 eggs in it. Repeated clutches occur at the end of May and at the end of July. After 50-60 days, young lizards 32-40 mm long hatch from the eggs. The steppe agama is widespread in the desert and steppe zones of Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Afghanistan and Northern Iran to the Eastern Ciscaucasia in the west and Northwestern China in the east.
(Pallas, 1814)
(= Agama sanguinolenta (Pallas, 1814); Agama aralensis Lichtenstein, 1823)
Appearance. Lizards average size with a slightly flattened body. Dimensions bodies with tail up to 12 cm; males are slightly larger than females. Head large and relatively high, heart-shaped and sharply demarcated from the neck. Eardrum located on the surface, so that there is a clearly defined external auditory canal. There are 2-3 elongated spiny scales above the ear. The body on top is covered with uniform, diamond-shaped, ribbed, overlapping scales. The lateral, thoracic and abdominal scales have blunt ribs, while the throat scales are smooth or have underdeveloped ribs. The ribbed tail scales are arranged in oblique rows that do not form transverse rings:
Upper tail scales of agamas:
1 - Himalayan agama (Laudakia himalayana), 2 - Caucasian agama (Laudakia caucasia), 3 - Khorasan agama (Laudakia erythrogastra), 4 - Turkestan agama (Laudakia lehmanni) and 5 - steppe agama
Fingers almost round. The fourth toe on the hind limbs is longer than the third.
Coloring. The upper side of the body is gray or yellowish-gray, the underside is white. In juveniles, along the ridge there is one row of light gray, more or less oval spots, extending to the base of the tail, and two rows of elongated spots of the same color on the sides of the body; Between the spots of two adjacent rows there are larger dark brown or dark gray spots. Blurry dark transverse stripes are visible on the upper side of the legs and on the tail. With the onset of sexual maturity in males, the dark spots almost disappear, and the light gray ones darken; in females, in general, the juvenile pattern is preserved. Body color can change under the influence of temperature or depending on the physiological state of the animal, demonstrating sexual dimorphism. In males, when excited, the throat, sides of the body, belly and limbs become dark blue or black-blue, cobalt blue spots appear on the back, while the tail becomes bright yellow or orange-yellow. Under the same conditions, the general background of the female’s body becomes bluish or greenish-yellow, the spots on the back become orange or rusty-orange, and the tail takes on the same color as that of the males, but less bright.
Spreading. The species is distributed in the deserts and semi-deserts of the eastern Ciscaucasia, Central Asia and Kazakhstan, as well as in northern and northeastern Iran, northern Afghanistan, and on the eastern border of its range it penetrates into northwestern China. In Central Asia, the northern border of the range runs slightly south of the line of the Emba River from the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, goes around the Mugojar Mountains from the south and through the lower reaches of Turgai and the valley of the middle reaches of the Sarysu River descends to the northern coast of Balkhash, further reaching the foothills of Tarbagatai. Along river valleys it penetrates into the foothills of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, meeting in the vicinity of the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Chubek in southwestern Tajikistan.
Taxonomy of the species. In the eastern Ciscaucasia, isolated from the main range within Chechnya, Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory, the nominative subspecies is widespread Trapelus sanguinolentus sanguinolentus, and throughout the rest of the species’ extensive range the Eastern Caspian subspecies lives Trapelus sanguinolentus aralensis Lichtenstein, 1823.
Habitat. Inhabits sandy, clayey and rocky deserts and semi-deserts, preferring areas with shrubby or semi-woody vegetation, as well as on gentle rocky slopes in the foothills at an altitude of up to 1200 m above sea level, along the edges of weakly fixed sands, along river banks and in tugai forests. The northern border of the range quite clearly correlates with the northern border of the desert zone, going beyond its limits only in the eastern Ciscaucasia.
Like other species with such a wide range, the steppe agama has a shift in biotopic preference, while in the isolated western part of its range the agama is confined only to sandy soils, while in the Asian part it is one of the most eurytopic reptile species. Does not avoid human proximity, settling on the outskirts of populated areas and along roadsides. It uses burrows of gerbils, gophers, jerboas, hedgehogs, turtles, voids under stones and cracks in the soil as shelters.
Activity. During the hottest part of the day, agamas often climb onto the branches of bushes, thus protecting themselves from overheating on the hot soil. From here, sexually mature males survey their individual territory, protecting it from the invasion of competitors. In the eastern Karakum desert, agamas spend the night on bushes quite often. Under optimal conditions, very high numbers are observed, up to 10 individuals per 1 hectare. After wintering in different parts of the range and depending on the climatic conditions of the year, they appear in late February - March - early April.
Reproduction. Agamas begin to reproduce after the second winter at the age of about two years. Pairing in southern Kazakhstan it lasts from early April to May. First laying eggs in southern Turkmenistan occurs already in late April - early May. Depending on age, the female lays 4-18 eggs size 9-13 x 18-21 mm per season, 2-3 clutches are possible. The eggs are laid in a burrow or in a cone-shaped hole dug by the female. Young 80-100 mm in size (with tail) appear from the second half of June to late autumn.
Nutrition. The basis of nutrition is insects; they also feed on spiders, centipedes and, to a small extent, plant foods.
Similar species. Agamas are distinguished from others by their bright colors; from mountain agamas - lack of ringed tail; from the ruin agama - uniform scales on the upper surface of the body and larger sizes. It differs from roundheads by the presence of an external ear opening.
On our website you can also find information on anatomy, morphology and ecology of reptiles: general characteristics of reptiles, integument, movement, and skeleton of reptiles, digestive organs and nutrition, respiratory organs and gas exchange, circulatory system and blood circulation, excretory organs and water-salt metabolism, genitals and reproduction, nervous system and sensory organs, behavior and image life, annual life cycle, geographical distribution and role in biocenoses, the importance of reptiles for humans, as well as: some rules of zoological nomenclature, definition of reptiles by external characteristics, recommended literature on reptiles.
|
Our original teaching materials on reptiles and amphibians of Russia: Computer digital (for PC-Windows) identifiers: , . |
See images and descriptions of others natural objects Russia and neighboring countries - minerals and rocks, soils,
Ecological Center "Ecosystem" you can inexpensive(at production cost) buy(order by mail cash on delivery, i.e. without prepayment) our copyright teaching materials on zoology (invertebrate and vertebrate animals):
10
computer (electronic) determinants, including: insect pests of Russian forests, freshwater and migratory fish, amphibians (amphibians), reptiles (reptiles), birds, their nests, eggs and voices, and mammals (animals) and traces of their vital activity,
20
colored laminated definition tables, including: aquatic invertebrates, diurnal butterflies, fish, amphibians and reptiles, wintering birds, migratory birds, mammals and their tracks,
4
pocket field determinant, including: inhabitants of reservoirs, birds of the middle zone and animals and their traces, as well as
65
methodological benefits And 40
educational and methodological films By methods carrying out research work in nature (in the field).
(Pallas, 1814)
(= Agama sanguinolenta (Pallas, 1814); Agama aralensis Lichtenstein, 1823)
Appearance. Lizards average size with a slightly flattened body. Dimensions bodies with tail up to 12 cm; males are slightly larger than females. Head large and relatively high, heart-shaped and sharply demarcated from the neck. Eardrum located on the surface, so that there is a clearly defined external auditory canal. There are 2-3 elongated spiny scales above the ear. The body on top is covered with uniform, diamond-shaped, ribbed, overlapping scales. The lateral, thoracic and abdominal scales have blunt ribs, while the throat scales are smooth or have underdeveloped ribs. The ribbed tail scales are arranged in oblique rows that do not form transverse rings:
Upper tail scales of agamas:
1 - Himalayan agama (Laudakia himalayana), 2 - Caucasian agama (Laudakia caucasia), 3 - Khorasan agama (Laudakia erythrogastra), 4 - Turkestan agama (Laudakia lehmanni) and 5 - steppe agama
Fingers almost round. The fourth toe on the hind limbs is longer than the third.
Coloring. The upper side of the body is gray or yellowish-gray, the underside is white. In juveniles, along the ridge there is one row of light gray, more or less oval spots, extending to the base of the tail, and two rows of elongated spots of the same color on the sides of the body; Between the spots of two adjacent rows there are larger dark brown or dark gray spots. Blurry dark transverse stripes are visible on the upper side of the legs and on the tail. With the onset of sexual maturity in males, the dark spots almost disappear, and the light gray ones darken; in females, in general, the juvenile pattern is preserved. Body color can change under the influence of temperature or depending on the physiological state of the animal, demonstrating sexual dimorphism. In males, when excited, the throat, sides of the body, belly and limbs become dark blue or black-blue, cobalt blue spots appear on the back, while the tail becomes bright yellow or orange-yellow. Under the same conditions, the general background of the female’s body becomes bluish or greenish-yellow, the spots on the back become orange or rusty-orange, and the tail takes on the same color as that of the males, but less bright.
Spreading. The species is distributed in the deserts and semi-deserts of the eastern Ciscaucasia, Central Asia and Kazakhstan, as well as in northern and northeastern Iran, northern Afghanistan, and on the eastern border of its range it penetrates into northwestern China. In Central Asia, the northern border of the range runs slightly south of the line of the Emba River from the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, goes around the Mugojar Mountains from the south and through the lower reaches of Turgai and the valley of the middle reaches of the Sarysu River descends to the northern coast of Balkhash, further reaching the foothills of Tarbagatai. Along river valleys it penetrates into the foothills of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, meeting in the vicinity of the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Chubek in southwestern Tajikistan.
Taxonomy of the species. In the eastern Ciscaucasia, isolated from the main range within Chechnya, Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory, the nominative subspecies is widespread Trapelus sanguinolentus sanguinolentus, and throughout the rest of the species’ extensive range the Eastern Caspian subspecies lives Trapelus sanguinolentus aralensis Lichtenstein, 1823.
Habitat. Inhabits sandy, clayey and rocky deserts and semi-deserts, preferring areas with shrubby or semi-woody vegetation, as well as on gentle rocky slopes in the foothills at an altitude of up to 1200 m above sea level, along the edges of weakly fixed sands, along river banks and in tugai forests. The northern border of the range quite clearly correlates with the northern border of the desert zone, going beyond its limits only in the eastern Ciscaucasia.
Like other species with such a wide range, the steppe agama has a shift in biotopic preference, while in the isolated western part of its range the agama is confined only to sandy soils, while in the Asian part it is one of the most eurytopic reptile species. Does not avoid human proximity, settling on the outskirts of populated areas and along roadsides. It uses burrows of gerbils, gophers, jerboas, hedgehogs, turtles, voids under stones and cracks in the soil as shelters.
Activity. During the hottest part of the day, agamas often climb onto the branches of bushes, thus protecting themselves from overheating on the hot soil. From here, sexually mature males survey their individual territory, protecting it from the invasion of competitors. In the eastern Karakum desert, agamas spend the night on bushes quite often. Under optimal conditions, very high numbers are observed, up to 10 individuals per 1 hectare. After wintering in different parts of the range and depending on the climatic conditions of the year, they appear in late February - March - early April.
Reproduction. Agamas begin to reproduce after the second winter at the age of about two years. Pairing in southern Kazakhstan it lasts from early April to May. First laying eggs in southern Turkmenistan occurs already in late April - early May. Depending on age, the female lays 4-18 eggs size 9-13 x 18-21 mm per season, 2-3 clutches are possible. The eggs are laid in a burrow or in a cone-shaped hole dug by the female. Young 80-100 mm in size (with tail) appear from the second half of June to late autumn.
Nutrition. The basis of nutrition is insects; they also feed on spiders, centipedes and, to a small extent, plant foods.
Similar species. Agamas are distinguished from others by their bright colors; from mountain agamas - lack of ringed tail; from the ruin agama - uniform scales on the upper surface of the body and larger sizes. It differs from roundheads by the presence of an external ear opening.
At the Ecosystem Ecological Center you can purchase color identification table " Amphibians and reptiles of central Russia"and a computer guide to reptiles (reptiles) of Russia and the USSR, as well as other teaching materials on animals and plants of Russia(see below).
On our website you can also find information on anatomy, morphology and ecology of reptiles: general characteristics of reptiles, integument, movement, and skeleton of reptiles, digestive organs and nutrition, respiratory organs and gas exchange, circulatory system and blood circulation, excretory organs and water-salt metabolism,
The size of male steppe agama is up to 11.8 cm, females - up to 11 cm. Weight is up to 45 g.
The body is relatively weakly flattened. The head is relatively high, and the scutes on its upper surface are slightly convex. The occipital scute, on which the parietal phases are placed, is no larger than the scutes surrounding it. The intermaxillary shield is small, its width usually only slightly exceeds its height. The nasal shield is not swollen; the nostril is located in its rear part and is almost invisible from above. Upper labial scutes 15-19.
The tympanic membrane in steppe agamas is not located superficially, so that there is a clearly defined external auditory canal. Above the ear there are 2-5 elongated spiny scales. The body is covered with uniform, more or less diamond-shaped scales superimposed on each other. The dorsal scales are large with well-developed ribs, gradually turning into a sharp, more or less triangular spine. The lateral, thoracic and abdominal scales have blunt ribs, and the throat scales are smooth or have underdeveloped ribs. The tail scales are ribbed, arranged in oblique rows and do not form transverse rings.
The main background of the upper body is gray or yellowish-gray. In juveniles, there is 1 row of light gray, more or less oval spots along the ridge, continuing at the base of the tail, and 2 rows of elongated spots of the same color on the sides of the body; Between the spots of two adjacent rows there are larger dark brown or dark gray spots. On the upper side of the legs and on the tail there are blurred dark transverse stripes. With the onset of sexual maturity in males, the dark spots almost disappear, and the light gray ones darken; in females, in general, the juvenile pattern is preserved.
The body color of steppe agamas changes with increasing temperature or as a result of nervous excitement. There are clear differences between the sexes. In males, first the throat, then the sides of the body, belly and limbs become black and blue, cobalt blue spots appear on the back, and the tail becomes bright yellow or orange-yellow. In females, the general background of the body becomes bluish or greenish-yellow, the spots on the back become orange or rusty-orange, and the tail takes on the same color as that of males, but less bright. Agamas from Ciscaucasia are distinguished by their smaller size compared to Central Asian ones (the length of the body with head in males and females is up to 85.8 and 82 mm, respectively) and lower body weight, not exceeding 27.3 g for the former and 23.1 g for the latter.
Some authors believe A. sanguinolenta one of the subspecies of the West Asian species A. agilis Olive However, the differences between these species are quite constant, and the species independence of each of them leaves no doubt.
Distributed in deserts and semi-deserts of the Eastern Ciscaucasia, Central Asia, and Southern Kazakhstan. Outside the USSR - in Northern and Northeastern Iran, Northern Afghanistan, Northwestern China.
The steppe agama lives in sandy, clayey and rocky deserts and semi-deserts, preferring areas with shrubby or semi-woody vegetation. It is also found on gentle rocky slopes in the foothills, along the edges of loose sands, along river banks and in tugai forests, along the outskirts of populated areas and along roadsides. In Kopetdag it is known up to an altitude of 1200 m above sea level.
It uses burrows of gerbils, gophers, jerboas, hedgehogs, turtles, voids under stones and cracks in the soil as shelters. During the hot season, agamas often climb onto the branches of bushes, thus protecting themselves from overheating on the hot sun soil. They are able to jump from branch to branch at a distance of up to 80 cm. Sitting on a hill, males survey their area, protecting it from the invasion of competitors.
The number of agamas is usually high: near the village of Pyanj (in South-Western Tajikistan) in March, 123 individuals were counted along a 1 km route; in the western part of the Central Karakum there were from 0.9 to 16.4 individuals per 10 km; in Western Turkmenistan - 1.7; in Southwestern Turkmenistan there were 18 individuals per 1 km; in Karakalpakstan - 4.6 (spring) and 0.8 (summer); in Badkhyz - up to 4 individuals per 1 km.
After wintering, it appears in mid-February, March or early April; males leave winter shelters earlier than females. In the Nogai steppe (in Dagestan) in March-October it feeds on beetles (76.4% of occurrence), hymenoptera, mainly ants (57.3%), butterflies (16.9%), bugs (14.5%), orthoptera ( 5.6%), spiders (4.5%), as well as leaves, flowers and stems of plants (26.8%). In the vicinity of Ashgabat in spring, agamas eat mainly beetles (in different years from 80 to 100% of occurrence) and ants (a total of 56%). In Uzbekistan - darkling beetles (from 14.2 to 48.8% of occurrence), lamellar beetles (from 5 to 11%), weevils (from 3.5 to 92.3%), ladybugs (3.8-34.4% ), click beetles (4.2-15.3%) and other beetles, hymenoptera, including ants (from 72 to 85%), butterflies and their caterpillars (from 21 to 53%), homoptera (from 10 to 27% ), orthoptera (7-22.2%), bugs (from 15 to 55.5%), termites (4.2-25%), arachnids (4.2-5.5%), millipedes (up to 3. 5%) and, in addition, plant foods (from 3.5 to 42.2).
During the breeding season, males and females of steppe agamas usually live in pairs, but sometimes up to 3 females live in a male’s area. The first laying of eggs in Southern Turkmenistan occurs at the end of April; in South-Western Kyzylkum (Southern Kazakhstan and Tajikistan) - at the end of May - beginning of June; in Karakalpakstan - in the first half of May, and in Dagestan - in early June. The second clutch in Central Asia is in mid-June - early July, and the third, if there is one, in mid-late July. The female lays 4-18 eggs measuring 9-13x18-21 mm in three or four portions per season. Eggs are laid in a hole or in a dug cone-shaped hole.
Young agamas 29-40 mm long (without tail) and weighing 0.95-2.22 g appear from the second half of June until late autumn. In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, sexual maturity occurs in the second year of life with a body length of 65 mm in females and 66 mm in males; in Southwestern Kyzylkum, agamas become sexually mature at a length of 80 and 75 mm, respectively; in Ciscaucasia - with a length of about 70 mm.
This family of lizards, very variegated in appearance and lifestyle, has over 300 species. They are distributed throughout warm and temperate regions of the whole world, excluding the island of Madagascar. Among them there are both arboreal forms with a slender, laterally compressed body and long legs, and short-legged terrestrial species with a noticeably flattened body. Their tail is long and, with few exceptions, unbreakable. The eyes are well developed, with a round pupil. The fauna of the CIS is home to 15 species of this family.
Agama steppe.
This is the most numerous species of lizards, inhabiting the semi-deserts and deserts of Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and semi-deserts in the Northern Caspian region.
The steppe agama is a medium-sized lizard, body length is usually 11-12 cm, males are larger than females. The head is large and heart-shaped. The tail is rounded, gradually tapering towards the end. The general color of the upper body is light yellow, the underparts are light gray to white. With age, the color changes. When the temperature rises or under the influence of nervous tension, the modest coloring of adult agamas is amazingly transformed. In males, first the throat, then the sides of the body, then the bottom and lastly the legs become dark blue. They have bright blue spots on their backs, and their tails are colored fiery yellow with dark rings. In the female, the “recoloration” is of a slightly different type: the overall color of the body becomes bluish or greenish-yellow. The dorsal spots become bright orange. Lives in a variety of places with sparse vegetation, avoids shifting sands. Hides in holes, cracks and voids between stones. It deftly climbs low trees and dry grasses. Males of the steppe and many other species of agamas jealously protect their once chosen site from the encroachments of other males. In nature, another male who accidentally wanders in usually runs away without getting into a fight. In a terrarium, two adult males will never get along peacefully, so they need to be seated immediately. The agama runs deftly and quickly, keeping its body raised above the ground and without touching the ground with its tail.
The best conditions for willingly running agamas are obtained in a spacious, dry, horizontal terrarium with lighting and good heating up to 35°C during the day. But the steppe agama also lives at a daytime temperature of 28°C. At night the temperature should be 5-10°C lower. The soil is periodically moistened from below. Dry branches are installed in the terrarium. The food is common for lizards, but the adult steppe agama also eats the juicy pulp of many fruits and vegetables. Mating occurs in the spring months. The female, starting in mid-spring, lays two or three times with a total of 3-20 eggs. At a temperature of 25-30°C, incubation takes place in 48-50 days. Hatched lizards have an interesting coloring that is different from adults. The initial size of juveniles is 3-4 cm.
Agama Caucasian.
Distributed in many places in the Caucasus, as well as in the mountainous areas of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The Caucasian agama, unlike the steppe agama, represents another group - mountain agamas. The Caucasian agama lives on dry rocky, clayey or limestone slopes or in blocks of stones with sparse vegetation. This agama is a real mountain animal. The dimensions are relatively large, the length of the body and tail together is 20-23 cm. Its typical color is relatively modest, olive-gray-brown tones predominate, and a mesh pattern of dark streaks and lines usually runs along the sides of the back. It is characteristic that, both in nature and in terrariums, the overall color of the Caucasian agama depends on the color of the soil. The blacker the litter, the darker, up to coal-black with a brownish sheen, the agamas become.
These agamas are also kept in horizontal terrariums. The air is dry, warm; 25-30°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. Stones with cracks are placed in the terrarium to shelter the lizards. They also provide a “hot spot” with a temperature of 40-45°C, where agamas appear from time to time for additional warming up. Food, as for the previous species. If breeding is planned, in the winter months the temperature is lowered by 10-15°C. Mating occurs in the spring months. During the season (May-June) the female lays 4-14 eggs. At a temperature of 30° C, incubation takes 45-55 days.
Agamas, like many other lizards, are shy creatures. Mountain agamas, including the Caucasian one, at the slightest danger quickly hide in the tightest crevices between stones. When trying to pull them out, they inflate their body and push with all their might. In severe panic, the agama gets so stuck in uncomfortable crevices that it is often unable to get back out. This must also be taken into account when laying stones in the terrarium, avoiding the formation of cracks - “traps” and at the same time - rolling of stones.
Roundhead eared.
This is the most characteristic lizard of sandy deserts and semi-deserts in the south of the lower Volga region, Central Asia and Kazakhstan.
Representatives of the genus of roundheads, and there are only about 40 species of them, differ from other agamas by a short head rounded at the front, a wide flattened body and a relatively short tail, flattened at the base and capable of curling onto the back. The long-eared roundhead gets its name because of the two folds of skin with fringed edges located at the corners of the mouth. The color of the roundhead is in harmony with the color of the soil where it lives. On top it is sand-colored with a grayish and yellowish coating, against which there is a thin mesh pattern of spots, lines, and dashes. The underparts are milky white with a dark spot on the chest. The tip of the tail is black below. The long-eared roundhead is the largest representative of this genus, its total length (including tail) reaches 24 cm.
In cases of danger and the impossibility of escaping, the long-eared roundhead takes on a “menacing” frightening pose: it spreads its legs wide, inflates and tenses its entire body, at the same time, it opens its mouth wide, while the “ears” open, the mucous membranes become filled with blood and become bright red. During the intimidation, she trembles nervously, and even jumps. But if the predator is not afraid of this, the roundhead buries itself in the sand with quick movements of its tail and body. In general, the roundhead likes to burrow into the sand in different situations: for the night, in extreme heat, etc.
Round heads are kept in spacious terrariums with fine sandy soil, spread in a layer of 10-20 cm. Relative air humidity is 20-30%, temperature during the day is 28-30°C, at night 22-24°C, in “hot spots” - up to 38°C. Moistening the sand from below. Like all desert lizards, the long-eared roundhead loves intense light. Roundheads are fed insects and their larvae. Mating occurs from May to mid-summer. Eggs are usually laid twice, each containing 2-6 eggs. Eggs are laid deep in a burrow or in moist sand. At a temperature of 30°C, incubation takes place in 40-50 days.
In the same terrarium conditions, you can also keep the round-headed takyr, a small lizard that lives in the natural conditions of the Caspian region, Transcaucasia, Central Asia, and Kazakhstan.
In a terrarium for this species, the soil should consist of a mixture of clay, sand and gravel.
African and Indian spinytails.
These vegetarians cannot be called particularly beautiful (their main skin color is gray in various shades; yellowish, green or blue peas add some life to the coloring of their skin), but they have a very original, friendly character, which reveals that their fearsome appearance is just just a deception. In the wild, they protect themselves from enemies with the help of a spiky tail and powerful jaws, but, being under the protection of humans, they lose their already not pronounced fighting qualities. They become trusting and allow their caregiver to pet and hand-feed them.
Yellow dandelions are its main plant food. Lettuce, clover, pieces of apples, pears, tomatoes, coarsely grated carrots, rice and millet also belong to its diet. They are very susceptible to additives of animal origin, since we must not forget that at an early age they had a jaw adapted to chewing insects, which over time was transformed to chew green food, but remained, surprisingly, just as strong. For example, he chews dry peas without any effort.
Spinytails should live in a spacious, heated terrarium. A heated floor is required for such a terrarium, since spinytails are desert dwellers. In addition, an infrared ray emitter is also needed. At night, the heating should be turned off, since hot days and cool nights correspond to the natural conditions of its habitat.
The internal equipment of the terrarium should be very simple: a thick layer of sand mixed with stones and pebbles, in which agamas happily build sand towers.
Loading...
