Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria | Infraorder Iguania | |
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Similar Xenagama, Reptile, Agamidae, Xenagama batillifera, Acanthocercus | ||
Oslo reptilpark 2012 shield tailed agama xenagama taylori
The shield-tailed agama or turnip-tailed agama, Xenagama taylori, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to the Horn of Africa.
Contents
- Oslo reptilpark 2012 shield tailed agama xenagama taylori
- Etymology
- Geographic range
- Habitat
- Description
- Defensive behavior
- Diet
- Sexual dimorphism
- References
Etymology
The specific name, taylori, is in honor of British army officer Captain R. H. R. Taylor.
Geographic range
X. taylori is found in Somalia and Ethiopia.
Habitat
X. taylori lives on arid, flat land, sometimes on hilly landscapes, sandy but also hard grounds, where it digs deep galleries. It survives at 45 to 50 °C (113 to 122 °F) maximum temperature, but average ranges between 25 and 35 °C (77 and 95 °F) in very dry environments, with the exception of strong spring storms and high humidity.
Description
Adults of X. taylori are less than 10 cm (4 inches) in total length (including tail), and hatchlings are just over a centimeter (3/8 inch) and weigh only 3 grams (0.11 ounce).
Defensive behavior
As its size makes it vulnerable to even small predators, X. taylori uses its spiny tail to block its burrows at night.
Diet
Being a small lizard, X. taylori is essentially insectivorous, but has been seen to eat grasses, fruits, and berries.
Sexual dimorphism
X. taylori is sexually dimorphic. Males are thinner and smaller, and their chins turn blue when excited. Males have larger anal pores enclosed by a waxy yellow substance.