Simon says: "Meet the Sinai agama (Pseudotrapelus sinaitus"

The Sinai agama (Pseudotrapelus sinaitus"

Israel has 93 species of reptiles, living from the Negev Desert to the Red Sea, from the Jordan River to the Judaean Mountains.

The Sinai agama is one of the most dazzling reptiles you'll find in Israel!

💙 Why So Blue?
During the breeding season (spring to early summer), the male undergoes a spectacular transformation from a dull sandy brown to a vibrant turquoise or cobalt blue to attract females . Outside breeding season, he fades back to camouflage mode to blend with the rocks.

🦎 What She Looks Like
Females and juveniles stay greyish-brown all year round, but females have a crescent-shaped red patch on each side just behind the front legs.

📏 Size & Shape
Grows to about 18 cm (7 inches) , with the long, slender tail accounting for up to two-thirds of that length. Their long legs give them an upright stance and make them excellent climbers.

🏜️ Where to Find Them
Found across Israel's rocky deserts, mountain slopes & dry wadis. Watch for them basking in the morning sun on boulders or cliffs; they're active during the daytime but retreat to cooler shelters during the scorching midday heat.

🍽️ Diet
Feeds on insects, other arthropods, and plants. A large part of their diet consists of ants.

🥚 Reproduction
Breeding takes place in spring & early summer. The female lays 5 to 9 eggs, each about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) long. Both males and females become territorial during this time.

Fun Fact
The subspecific name werneri is named in honour of Israeli herpetologist Yehudah L. Werner . A nice nod to local science!

Next time you're hiking in the desert, keep your eyes on the rocks for a flash of blue!

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