The Agama lizard inhabits the Sahara deserts and arid savannas in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a small reptile animal with brightly-colored scales often red, blue, orange, and green.
It has been recorded that they are present in almost all states in sub-Saharan Africa, which is their natural habitat, and also in America, especially in South and Florida, which are regions they have been introduced.
Tales exist regarding that these animals possess a femoral gland which they discharge through their strong jaws containing toxic material, or have some other defense instinct, which is not characteristic of other lizards. Yet beneath all these, are agama lizards poisonous?
Understanding Agama lizard
Agama lizards are a genus of moderately small to medium-sized insectivorous lizards from the sub-Saharan region of Africa. They possess long tails and are greatly distributed all over Africa, having their habitats in the grasslands, urban, and rocky places.
They are diurnal reptiles that are active during the day, and as such, Agamas can withstand high heat. During the display to females and to intimidate other males, the red colors are most evident in males.
The bright blue satellite males will perform the head bobbing and present the orange patches to attract several females to the site to perform the mating dance before the wet season in the breeding period.
While the primary diet of Agamas consists of ants, beetles, and grasshoppers, they consume small animals from time to time. Agamas are native to Africa and these lizards have a significant role to play in the food chain and bio geographically in the continent.
Are Agama Poisonous?
No, common agama lizards, or rainbow agama lizards found in places like South Florida and South America are NOT poisonous or venomous to humans or animals.
These small reptiles from the Agamidae family found in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world have strong mouths to crunch down insects like cricket, and other hard prey small mammals but they do not have glands that produce venom.
Some have bright incidences on them and start doing activities such as head and neck bobbing and expansion of the neck and throat to make it look menacing.
Misconceptions about Reptile Poison
Agamas have powerful jaws but most of them prey on insects, small mammals, and any other small creatures. It is important to emphasize that none of them are venomous or poisonous. Due to this, some people have a notion that all reptiles are poisonous, but it’s not, actually 85% of the lizard species including agamas are nonpoisonous.
Its main enemies are snakes and birds but the agamas could also be aggressive particularly during the breeding season, especially the dominant male. To attract several females, the agama males put on colorful attire and engage in what could be described as head bobbing.
As for the places of dwelling, most agamas live and make homes on grasslands, trees, rocks, and even urban structures. All in all, agamas are tiny reptiles that do not carry any poison and there are some misconceptions regarding that matter.
List of Some Known Venomous Lizard Species
If you think that only snakes are venomous then you are wrong. Yes, because some lizard species can harm both humans and pets.
Here are some of them:
- Mexican Beaded Lizard
- Gila Monster
- Guatemalan Beaded Lizard
- Komodo Dragon
- Savanna Monitor
- Lace Monitor
- Mitchell’s Water Monitor
- Argus or Yellow-Spotted Monitor
- Spiny-Tailed Monitor
- Earless Lizard
Of course, not all species are capable of actively injecting their venom into their prey, but these lizards use it for some vital roles such as defense or for capturing prey. Likewise, venom productivity together with the effects may also differ from one species to the other. Venomous lizards are sometimes tamed and must be handled with care and precaution.
Interactions with Agama lizards
However, care should be taken when handling them because there are minimal risks associated with them although they are agama lizards. Agamas are climbers and they have sharp claws that help them climb trees and catch food hence wearing gloves is advised.
Be gentle when picking them up, especially to ensure that you do not harm their tail which they use to support their body.
They are not dangerous animals and have no venomous capabilities but they have extremely strong bite force and can bite fingers when threatened so it is advisable to avoid placing fingers near the mouths of such animals.
It is better to avoid sub-males during the mating season because they are aggressive and perform threat displays. In general, there is no need to fear agamas, but proper respect for all wild animals is necessary to avoid dangerous consequences for both parties.
Safety Precautions When You Encounter Venomous Lizards
Here is what you need to do to avoid contacting a poisonous lizard when you see one.
- It is recommended that you should always be careful about your movements and should be careful to avoid putting your hands and feet in the wrong places especially if you are in areas where lizards are found such as rocks, grasslands, and vegetation.
- While relocating, it is advisable to wear gloves and protective clothing since lizards are likely to be found under objects such as boards, logs, and debris.
- When going out outside homes ensure the children and pets are supervised especially in areas where lizards are found
- It is very important to learn more about the exotic venomous lizards that are commonly found such as the Gila monster.
- Release all lizards and avoid any contact with the reptiles.
- Anyone bitten by a suspected venomous lizard should ensure that they wash the area with soap and water, then report to a healthcare provider.
- Make sure to learn the meaning of the lizard threat displays such as mouth opening, head bobbing, and inflating body.
- Do not startle lizards with fast movements; refrain from using loud sounds or approaching them too close especially when they are basking.
- Consult with the authorities, especially animal control to neutralize and/or relocate venomous lizards on your compound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Agama lizard bite?
The Agama lizard has strong jaws and tail and possesses sharp teeth and this usually chases its adversary in a threatening posture with its mouth open and it bites. However, Agamas are not territorial over humans unless the human is an aggressor to the extent of endangering the life of an Agama.
What lizards are poisonous to humans?
The species of lizards are known to be dangerous to humans as they are venomous and can be fatal, though they seldom cause death: the Gila monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. It is noteworthy that this is the only lizard species that is considered in some sense poisonous or venomous to humans.
Is the agama lizard venomous?
No, agama lizards are not venomous, a common agama for example that dwells in South Florida and South America is a docile lizard species that feeds on insects, small reptiles, and mammals with its strong mouth. Although agamas have little in terms of foes in the wild other than the mockingbirds and snakes, these South African indigenous creatures do have some ways of protecting themselves, where they extend their mouths to reveal yellow or orange throats.
What do agama lizards eat?
The dietary habits of these lizards are omnivorous, but they are more specific as they feed mainly on insects and small creatures such as mice and birds. In their natural habitat, Agamas are insectivorous and their food includes insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers among others, and other small prey such as spiders, other reptiles, mammals, snails, and vegetation.
