Agama mwanzae Loveridge, 1923

Common Name Origin

The Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) is also commonly called the Spider-Man agama, a nickname that comes from its distinctive coloration.

Taxonomy and Native Range

It is a lizard species in the family Agamidae, native to Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Habitat and Basking Behavior

This species inhabits semidesert regions, and is frequently seen basking on rocks or kopjes during the heat of the day.

Mature Male Coloration

Mature males have bright red or violet coloration on their head, neck, and shoulders, paired with a dark blue body.

Female Coloration and Identification

Females are mostly brown, and are hard to tell apart from females of other agama species.

Similar Species

Agama mwanzae is often confused with the related red-headed rock agama (Agama agama).

Male Territoriality and Breeding Partners

Males of this species are highly territorial, and typically prefer to have around five breeding partners.

Courtship Behavior

After a male successfully attracts a female's interest, he courts her by performing distinctive head bobs and head swinging movements.

Pet Trade Popularity

Because the male's coloration resembles the comic book superhero Spider-Man, the species has become a popular fashionable pet.