Desert agama

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A small Agama with a brown or yellow color, featuring dark spots between each pair of uniformly distributed scales on its back. It has a smooth, sleek tail with light rings. The male is smaller than the female, which turns a pale red during the breeding season. The female lays between 1 to 12 eggs among the rocks.

This species is considered near-threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is found in the wilderness of Jerusalem, living on the ground in dry, arid desert areas and in valleys rich in vegetation. Its primary diet consists of arthropods, along with some flowers and buds. When sensing danger, it relies on camouflage, remaining motionless, with its color helping it blend into its surroundings.

The Agama emerges in the afternoon to bask in the summer sun and appears during the winter with rising temperatures and sunny weather.

The photo is taken from the  Jerusalem wilderness .