The Caucasian Agama (Paralaudakia caucasia) is a small agamid reptile in the Agamidae family of rock lizards.
The Caucasian Agama has an elongated, flat body. Its scales are light-brown to olive coloured with yellowish dark-edged markings on its back. It does not have a throat pouch or loose skin under its chin. It has a light coloured underbelly. It has a rounded tail with large scales arranged in rings.
Its yellowish limbs are long and strong. Its fourth toe on its hind (back) leg is longer than the other toes.
It grows to about 13 centimetres (5 inches) long.
It is endemic to the Caucasus region, specifically in countries such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Dagestan, and Turkey. It is also found in Iraq, Iran, Afghanisan, and Pakistan. It prefers hot, desert-like regions.
The Caucasian Agama is carnivorous, eating insects, locusts, beetles, termites, worms, and mice. It lies in wait for prey to walk nearby.
It is oviparous. The female lays 6-15 eggs in a sunny location. The eggs hatch after 42-49 days.
Location of photographs: Tbilisi, Georgia
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM