Paralaudakia caucasia
The Caucasian agama (Paralaudakia caucasia) is a flattened lizard species found across the Caucasus region and parts of Central and Western Asia. It is characterized by its depressed head, granular scales on its back, and spinose scales on its flanks and limbs. This species typically inhabits rocky areas and is known for its distinctive coloration, which can vary with sex and breeding season.
Key Facts
- ›Inhabits rocky terrains in the Caucasus and surrounding regions.
- ›Possesses a depressed head and body shape.
- ›Scales are granular on the back, with enlarged, keeled, and spinose scales on the flanks and limbs.
- ›Males have large patches of rough scales on the preanal area and belly.
- ›Coloration is typically olivaceous with black-edged yellowish spots, and can include yellowish crossbars on limbs.
Caucasian Agama
Caucasus, E/S Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Dagestan, E Turkey, Iraq, N Iran, Afghanistan, Nw Pakistan, Kashmir
- Head Much Depressed.
- Nostril Lateral, Below the Canthus Rostralis, Slightly Tubular.
- Upper Head-Scales Smooth; Occipital Not Enlarged.
- Small Conical Spinose Scales On the Side of the Head Near the Ear, and On the Neck.
- Ear Larger Than the Eye-Opening.
- Throat Strongly Plicate; No Gular Pouch.
- Body Much Depressed, With A Very Indistinct Lateral Fold.
- Nuchal and Latero-Dorsal Scales Very Small, Granular.
- Vertebral Region With Enlarged Flat, Feebly Keeled, Rather Irregular Scales.
- Flanks With Enlarged, Strongly Keeled Or Spinose Scales.
- No Nuchal Denticulation.
- Ventral Scales Smooth, Distinctly Smaller Than the Enlarged Dorsals.
- 150 To 160 Scales Round the Middle of the Body.
- Limbs Strong, With Compressed Digits.
- Scales On the Upper Surface of Limbs Much Enlarged, Strongly Keeled, Generally Spinose.
- Fourth Finger Slightly Longer Than Third.
- Fourth Toe A Little Longer Than Third, Fifth Extending Beyond First.
- Tail Rounded, Depressed At the Base, Covered With Rather Large Spinose Scales Arranged In Rings, Two Rings Forming A Distinct Segment.
- Tail Length Does Not Equal Quite Twice the Distance From Gular Fold To Vent.
- Males Have A Large Patch of Callose Preanal Scales and An Enormous Patch of Similar Scales On the Belly.
- Olivaceous Above, With Round Yellowish Black-Edged Spots, the Black Frequently Forming A Network.
- Vertebral Region Yellowish.
- Limbs With More Or Less Distinct Yellowish Cross Bars.
- Lower Surface Yellowish In the Female, Blackish In the Breeding Male.
About Paralaudakia caucasia
Paralaudakia caucasia: The Caucasian Agama
The Caucasian agama, scientifically known as Paralaudakia caucasia, is a species of lizard belonging to the Agamidae family. This species is notable for its flattened body and head, a characteristic that aids in its life among rocky terrains. Its scale structure is also distinctive, featuring granular scales on the back that transition to larger, keeled, and often spiny scales on its flanks and limbs, providing both camouflage and protection.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Paralaudakia caucasia is widely distributed across the Caucasus region and extends into parts of Western and Central Asia. Its natural range includes countries such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, as well as parts of Russia and Turkmenistan. This lizard is primarily found in rocky environments, where its morphology allows it to navigate and hide effectively.
Physical Description and Variation
The Caucasian agama typically measures up to approximately 12.7 centimeters from snout to vent, with its tail being roughly twice the length of its body from the gular fold to the vent. Its coloration is generally olivaceous, marked with round, yellowish spots that are edged in black, sometimes forming a network pattern. Yellowish crossbars may also be present on the limbs. A significant sexual dimorphism exists: males possess prominent patches of rough, calloused scales on their preanal area and belly, and their underside is blackish during the breeding season, contrasting with the yellowish underside of females.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Caucasian agama?
The scientific name for the Caucasian agama is Paralaudakia caucasia. It has also been referred to by older classifications as Agama caucasia.
Where is the Caucasian agama found?
The Caucasian agama is found in a wide geographic range including the Caucasus, parts of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Dagestan in Russia, eastern Turkey, Iraq, northern Iran, Afghanistan, northwestern Pakistan, and parts of Kashmir.
What are the physical characteristics of the Caucasian agama?
It has a much depressed head and body, with smooth upper head scales and small, conical, spinose scales on the sides of the head near the ear and on the neck. The scales on its back are granular, while the vertebral region has enlarged, flat, and feebly keeled scales. The flanks feature enlarged, strongly keeled or spinose scales.
How large does the Caucasian agama get?
The Caucasian agama can reach a snout-to-vent length of up to 5 inches. The length of its tail does not quite equal twice the distance from the gular fold to the vent.
What is the coloration of the Caucasian agama?
Its upper surface is typically olivaceous with round, black-edged yellowish spots, and the black pigment can form a network. The vertebral region is yellowish, and the limbs may have more or less distinct yellowish crossbars. Females have a yellowish lower surface, while breeding males have a blackish lower surface.
Are there differences between male and female Caucasian agamas?
Yes, there are notable differences. Males possess a large patch of rough preanal scales and an enormous patch of similar scales on their belly. Additionally, breeding males have a blackish lower surface, whereas females are yellowish below.
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