Starred agama The starred agama (Laudakia stellio, synonym Stellagama stellio) is a large lizard with distinctive spiny scales. In Crete, it has been recorded in the Sitia area, where the local population is considered to have resulted from human introduction.
It belongs to the family Agamidae and is recognisable by its robust body, broad head and long tail. Its colour varies, usually featuring shades of grey and brown with lighter markings. Despite its imposing appearance, it is not venomous and usually retreats when approached by people.
It favours warm, dry habitats with rocks, dry stone walls and stone-built structures. Active during the day, it often basks in elevated positions from which it surveys its surroundings. It climbs easily and quickly takes shelter in crevices when disturbed. Its diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, although it occasionally eats smaller lizards and plant material.
The first scientific report of its presence in Crete was published in 2014. It is not native to the island, and its occurrence in Sitia does not indicate that it is widespread throughout Crete. Monitoring the local population can help clarify its distribution and possible effects on native species.
