Never see a lizard that looks like it’s dressed like Spider-Man.

Most likely, it’s the flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) of Mwanza.

Known as “the Spider-man lizard,” this reptile has gone viral on social media thanks to its striking red head and upper body, as well as its deep blue lower body and tail.

Originally from East Africa, the Mwanza flat-headed rock agama is primarily found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda, thriving in semi-arid areas with plenty of rocky landscapes.

They play a crucial role in the agama’s way of life.

At the first sign of danger, the reptile quickly hides in cracks and spends a large portion of the day basking in the sun on warm stones.

Its flattened head and agile limbs make it easy to squeeze into crevices, providing a safe and excellent hunting location.

The agama mainly feeds on insects, particularly ants, beetles, and termites.Sometimes, it also munches on small vertebrates or plant matter.

It is an excellent hunter, able to capture prey in mid-crawl thanks to its rapid reflexes and bursts of speed.

Interestingly, it’s only the males that show off those bright red-and-blue colors – this is all part of their territorial and mating displays.

On the other hand, females and subordinate males usually have a more muted brown or grey appearance, which helps them blend into their environment.

During courtship, a dominant male will display his beautiful colors while demonstrating his dominance and luring a mate with push-ups and head-bobbing.

These lizards are active during the day, which is what diurnal means.

Their flat bodies and strong limbs make them fantastic climbers – you can often spot them scaling vertical surfaces or soaking up the sun on rocks under the hot African sun.

Despite their impressive appearance, they have a shy nature and will quickly run away from anyone who approaches them too closely.

They manage to strike a balance between survival, display, and camouflage while thriving in harsh, arid environments.

They remind us that even the smallest animals can have the most amazing colors.

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