Arabian Toad-headed Agama

Image: Tamsin Carlisle
Phrynocephalus arabicus

After focusing so much on the Secret Toadhead's weird face, I thought it would be nice to take another look at fun, toadhead tail!

Image: Dan Cogalniceanu

Arabian Toadheads are tiny, 5 cm (2 inch) long lizards who are well-adapted to life in the desert. They have to be, since they live in the deserts of the Arabian peninsular.

They have no ear-holes, which ensures they don't get sand in their ears. They also have long scales that act like eyelashes to protect their precious peepers.

Image: Todd Pierson

Arabian Toadheads are fast, agile insectivores who are active in all but the very hottest times of day. They have long limbs and their long toes appear to be serrated with a comb of spikes. I presume that helps them skitter over shifting sands.

Video: Weini17

They seem to be quite proud of those toes. You know when people advice you to "cool your heels"? Arabian Toadheads prefer to cool their toes! They can often be seen resting on the dunes, standing on the tippy-toes of their front legs and the heels of their back legs, using their tail for extra support.

Video: Weini17

Speaking of which, I can watch that crazy tail all day! It's just so exquisitely curly and wurly!

They use it to communicate with each other but... doesn't just look fun, too?