Southern Tree Agama

Afrikaans name: Boom-koggelmander

Photo © Steven Herbert

Agama atricollis

The Southern Tree Agama is a stunning lizard with its blue head. In fact, it is often called the Blue-headed Agama.

These reptiles are more common than you realise in suitable habitats. Almost every tree may be home to a single or pair fo Agamas. They have a habit of avoiding detection by moving around to the opposite side of the tree or branch.

The colour of the female is far more subdued than that of the male.

The Southern Tree Agama mainly eats ants and termites although they do feed on other insects as well.

The female will lay up to 14 eggs in a hole in the ground which she then covers.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

Top

References and further reading

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Graham Alexander and Johan Marais - Year Published: 2007 - Page: 197

Bill Branch's Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Bill Branch - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 179

Kruger - Portrait of a National Park - Author: David Paynter with Wilf Nussey - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 14

Questions and Answers - Snakes and Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: John Comrie-Greig - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 19

Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa - Author: Warren Schmidt - Year Published: 2006 - Page: 57

Suburban Wildlife in KZN - Author: Jason Londt - Year Published: 2009 - Page: 106

The Reptiles of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar, WD Haacke and NHG Jacobsen - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 52