Laudakia melanura
Laudakia melanura, commonly known as the black agama or black rock agama, is a species of agamid lizard native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. This species is distinguished by its dark coloration and is adapted to rocky environments.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India.
- ›Known by common names such as black agama and black rock agama.
- ›There are three recognized subspecies.
- ›Inhabits rocky terrain within its geographic range.
Black Agama, Black Rock Agama
Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India
- Characterized By Dark Coloration, Earning It the Name Black Agama.
About Laudakia melanura
Laudakia melanura, also widely recognized as the black agama or black rock agama, is a species belonging to the Agamidae family of lizards. This species is a native inhabitant of a significant region in Western and Southern Asia, with verified populations found in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northern India.
Taxonomy and Distribution
The species is further divided into three recognized subspecies, each with its own specific geographic range:
- Laudakia melanura melanura (Blyth, 1854): This nominate subspecies is found in southeastern Iran, southeastern Afghanistan, and various parts of Pakistan, including the Salt Range in northern Punjab, the northwestern Frontier Province, and western Sindh and Balochistan.
- Laudakia melanura nasiri Baig, 1999: This subspecies is endemic to southern Pakistan, specifically the Toba Kakar Range in Balochistan.
- Laudakia melanura lirata (Blanford, 1874): This subspecies' range includes parts of Pakistan and Iran.
Physical Characteristics
As its common names suggest, Laudakia melanura is characterized by its dark coloration. While specific details on scale patterns and precise size metrics are not extensively detailed in available records, its morphology is typical of rock-dwelling agamids, adapted for life in arid and semi-arid rocky environments.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laudakia melanura commonly called?
Laudakia melanura is commonly known as the black agama or black rock agama. These names reflect its dark coloring and preferred habitat.
Where is the black rock agama found?
The black rock agama is naturally found in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. Its distribution extends across these countries in rocky regions.
Are there different types of black agamas?
Yes, there are three recognized subspecies of Laudakia melanura. These subspecies are Laudakia melanura melanura, Laudakia melanura nasiri, and Laudakia melanura lirata, each with specific geographic ranges within the broader distribution.
Related Lizards
Agamura persica
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Aspidoscelis gularis
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