Acanthocerus atricollis

A male "bloukop koggelmander"

Agamas belong to the class of reptiles, order squamata and sub-order sauria (lacertilia). The image above is of the tree agama (Acanthocerus atricollis). The Afrikaans name “bloukop koggelmander” is very descriptive and refers to the very distinctive and highly visible ultramarine colour of the head during breeding. These beautiful little creatures are extremely territorial and become quite tame. Renaissance residents often become very fond of "their" bloukoppies.

The body is covered in spiny scales. Females and juveniles have cryptic colouration, which helps them to blend in extremely well with their background of tree bark.

A female agama

Agamas have a curious way of bobbing or nodding their heads when displaying. They feed mainly on insects. They are egg-laying, burying between 4 – 14 eggs in the soil during the summer. When threatened they will put up an aggressive display by opening the mouth widely to show a bright orange lining. If you see one in a tree and attempt to approach it will run to the opposite side of the tree keeping the tree between you and itself whilst peering at you from the opposite side.

Source
Africam.com (click HERE to access website)