Toadhead Agamas

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Toad-headed agama
Scientific name	Phrynocephalus
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Squamata
Family	Agamidae
Type	Reptile (lizard)
Diet	Insects and spiders: crickets, beetles, worms
Habitat	Hot, dry, rocky or sandy areas
Native range	Middle East to Manchuria and Asia
Colours	Browns and grays with white, black or red patterns
Special feature	Curls tail to show striped belly

The genus Phrynocephalus consists of more than 40 species of agamid lizards, which are of medium size. These lizards are commonly known as toad head agamas (Agama Phrynocephalus Arabicus) or even as Toad-Headed Agamas. Toad-headed Agamas are terrestrial creatures. They live in dry, hot areas that are either rocky or sandy.  These are aggressive creatures, who will fight off other lizards,  including members of the same species and even snakes.  The hottest part of the day, they spend underground in burrows.  When they dig, they use both limbs on one side.   When startled or agitated, they curl up their tails over the body and expose the bold striped patterns on the ventral surface. Most of the species in the genus are egg layers (Ovipoparous) that lay several clutches of eggs each year, having one to six eggs in a clutch. Species from the extreme northern areas and those living in higher elevations are ovoviviparous or creatures that retain the un-calcified eggs inside their body till they hatch.  These lizards have another name, “the chameleons of the old world” since, like chameleons, they possess the ability to change their body color.

Anatomy

Arabian toad-headed lizards are  fairly small lizards that are highly adapted to life on loose sand. They have no external ear openings.  Fringes of scales around the eyes help to keep out the sand grains. It has a short and broad head, deep forehead and a snub nose.  These lizards show a high variation in color, with different patterns in white, black and red to match the background color.  As a rule, the lizards that you see on coastal sands appear seem to have less patterns in comparison with those on red inland sands.  All the variables have in common a black tip on the tail’s underside. These tails, when raised are used in visual signals.

A rough skin and scales overlap on their wide, flattened strong body. They have  a long flat tail, rounded at the base.  The head is rather large and rounded across the snout.  This lizard appears more similar to the U.S. horned toad than a lizard. The external hearing structure (tympanum)  is covered by scales.  They have partially fringed toes that help the creature to walk on the sand. The colors are browns and grays with lighter and darker markings.

Behavior

Like other members of the genus, these  Toadhead Agama species have adopted what can be called a “sit and wait” hunting strategy.  The lizards, very actively use visual orientation when watching for food.

A few particulars stand out  in the behavior of the lizards.  They include curling the tail as a defensive posture and burrowing the substrate in order  to  maintain warmth  during cold nights, especially at high altitudes.  They have the capillary drinking system  like the horned toads and the thorny devil. 

Habitat

We can find these   lizards through and across the middle east to Manchuria.  There are more than 40 species of the lizard.  You can find one species in the Himalayas at elevations above 5000’. Other species inhabit the semi-arid open environments of Asia and eastern Europe.

As a Pet

Housing

Provide housing similar to the ones provided for bearded dragons.  The terrarium should be large, spacious and dry with a deep sand layer and some rocky slabs or tree barks  for the lizards to perch on.

Temperatures

The daytime  temperature gradient  should range between 86 to 95 degees F and in the basking areas around  104 degrees F.  You can retain the night time gradient around  65 to 70 degrees. You must winter the northern lizard species at 50-60 degrees  F for 2-4 months.

Lighting and Heating

You must provide undertank heating on the warm side.  UVB emitting Fluorescents are necessary.

Food

These lizards are basically insectivores.  They feed on invertebrates, which include crickets, beetles, spiders and worms.  The Larger ones of the species may eat day old pinky mice. You should spray the enclosures  once in a while  and provide a shallow container for the lizards to soak. Hey usually do not  drink from still water.

Toad-headed agama FAQs