The Roughtail Rock Agama Laudakia
stellio is also known as a Hardim or Star Lizard and is a species of agamid
lizard found in Greece, Central Macedonia, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq,
northern Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Jordan and Israel. Like many agamas it can
change colour to express its moods. The name ‘stellion’ comes from Latin
stellio, stēlio (stelliōn-, stēliōn-), which referred to any spotted lizard,
from stella star. It has a flat triangular head and a flat short body with long
legs. It hibernates during winter. Its diet consists of mainly insects and
plants. They are a rock-dwelling species of lizards inhabiting dry areas and
even though it is very cautious and hides as soon as it perceives danger,
during the mating season the males defend their territory by putting themselves
in prominent positions, displaying their intentions by a characteristic nodding
movement of the head. It is a large (up to 30 centimetres), robust lizard with
a flattened, spiny body, a wide, triangular head, long legs and a long tail.
The neck is particularly spiny, and rows of spines run across the body, flanks
and tail and is capable of quite rapid colour changes, typically becoming
lighter when warm and darker when cold. Dominant male starred agamas are
particularly brightly coloured, often showing reddish-brown, turquoise and tan
markings. They are generally light or dark brown to grey or charcoal-coloured,
with a series of yellowish, diamond-shaped markings along the back. The throat
may be flecked with dark spots, and the tail often has conspicuous bars.
However, it is quite variable in appearance across its range, with individuals
from some areas having pale yellow or red heads and unspotted throats. They
have sharp claws that help it to climb on rocks, walls, buildings and trees.
Viv Wilson photographed this lizard on the rocks near Tabuk and has kindly
allowed me to use the photographs on my website.
