Agamidae

Agamidae is a family of lizards within the Iguania, commonly referred to as agamid lizards or dragon lizards. They are distributed across Africa, Asia, and Australia, occupying habitats from deserts and savannas to forests and rocky outcrops. The family includes a wide range of forms, from small terrestrial species to large arboreal and gliding types. A characteristic feature is acrodont dentition, with the teeth fused to the upper jaw. Many agamids have pronounced crests, frills, or dewlaps and well-developed limbs; some lineages have evolved specialized forms such as the gliding Draco lizards or the frilled-neck Chlamydosaurus.

Ecology and behavior: Agamids are largely diurnal and insectivorous or omnivorous. They often rely on basking sites and rapid pursuit of prey. Display behaviors include dewlap extension, head bobbing, and other ritualized movements during territorial or courtship interactions; some species show territorial aggression among males.

Taxonomy and characteristics: The family comprises numerous genera, including Agama, Calotes, Draco, Pogona, Ctenophorus, Chlamydosaurus, and Hydrosaurus. Phylogenetically, Agamidae is a distinct iguanian lineage within Iguania, separate from Iguanidae and related groups, and shares the distinctive acrodont dentition with other members of the clade.

Conservation and human interactions: Many agamid species face threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. Some, such as the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), are widely kept in captivity and have become popular in the pet trade.