Agamidae (Agamas)

Range: Africa, Asia, Australia. [IMG_1]Genera: 52 Species: 400 Ecology and behavior: predominantly terrestrial and semi-arboreal species; arboreal species are less common, and fully burrowing forms are absent. They are diurnal, and a significant proportion of agamas are heliothermic. Most are ambush predators. Some species are viviparous. Morphological traits: because agamas occupy a wide range of biotopes across a vast territory, their adaptations, appearance, and body sizes are remarkably diverse. Body length of different representatives can range from a few centimeters to one meter. However, the group is united by some common traits. The most characteristic is acrodont dentition in all representatives, i.e., teeth attached to the outer edge of the jaws, differing in size and shape. In adult lizards, these are divided into pseudo-canines, incisors, and molars, named for external similarity to homologous mammalian teeth. There is no tooth replacement, and teeth wear down as the animal ages. Femoral pores are absent in most species. [IMG_2] Moloch horridus [IMG_3] Acanthosaura crucigera [IMG_4] Cophotis ceylanica Sources: 1. Vitt L.J., Caldwell J.P. Herpetology. An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. Academic Press, 2009. p. 517-518 2. Animal Life. In 7 volumes. Volume 5. Amphibians. Reptiles. Moscow: Prosveshchenie, 1985. p. 189-205 3. Higher Taxa in Extant Reptiles 4. Agamidae. Family of agamid lizards