A genus of lizards within the family Agamidae, commonly known as rock agamas. Species within this genus are primarily found in Central and Southwest Asia.
Etymology
The name Pleurodontagama is derived from two parts:
- Pleurodont: Refers to the pleurodont dentition, a type of tooth attachment where teeth are fused to the inner surface of the jawbone, characteristic of these lizards.
- Agama: A common suffix in the names of many genera within the family Agamidae, and also the name of a prominent genus within the family (Agama).
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Agamidae
- Genus: Pleurodontagama (Ananjeva & Ckhikvadze, 2000)
Characteristics
Lizards of the genus Pleurodontagama are typically medium-sized, terrestrial or saxicolous (rock-dwelling) reptiles. Key features include:
- Dentition: As the name suggests, they exhibit pleurodont dentition, meaning their teeth are attached to the inner side of the jawbone.
- Body Plan: They generally possess a robust body, a distinct head, and a relatively long tail.
- Scalation: Their bodies are covered in keeled or spiny scales, which can vary in size and arrangement depending on the species.
- Coloration: Coloration often provides camouflage against rocky backgrounds, with patterns of grays, browns, and ochres. Some species may exhibit brighter breeding colors.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Some species show sexual dimorphism, with males being larger or having more pronounced coloration or features than females.
Species
As of recent classifications, the genus Pleurodontagama includes several species, some of which were previously classified under Laudakia or Trapelus. Notable species include:
- Pleurodontagama boehmei (Wagner, Melnikov, & Ananjeva, 2009)
- Pleurodontagama glauca (Peters, 1869) – commonly known as the Afghan rock agama
Distribution and Habitat
Pleurodontagama species are primarily distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of Central and Southwest Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of neighboring countries. They are typically found in rocky habitats, such as mountainous areas, canyons, and rocky outcrops, where they utilize crevices and boulders for shelter and basking. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates.
Taxonomic Note
The genus Pleurodontagama was established as part of a phylogenetic revision of the Agamidae family, particularly splitting species previously grouped within broader genera like Laudakia and Trapelus. This reclassification is based on morphological and molecular evidence, highlighting distinct evolutionary lineages within the rock agamas.