Make way for the NEW Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama

For 2022, Safari Ltd®’s Incredible Creatures®  collection gets a lot more colorful with the addition of the Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama figure.

Whew, that name sure is a mouthful, but never fear, this spectacular lizard has another name! Due to its striking coloration, this lizard is also called The Spider-Man Lizard. Mirroring the classic Marvel Comics superhero, the Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama features bright reds and blues that nearly match Spidey’s trademark uniform.

Whatever you want to call it, this lizard is a member of the family Agamidae, which also includes the Bearded Dragon. Many lizards in this family are referred to commonly as dragons, or dragon lizards. These lizards are found mostly in in warm climates, like their close relatives the Iguanas of the family Iguanidae. Males are often much more brightly colored than females, leading to some very striking examples, including our friend the Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama.

Found in the African countries of Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, this agamid lizard prefers to spend its time soaking up the sun on rocks in the semi-desert environment it calls home. Its head, shoulders, and most of the front of its body are a vibrant bright red or magenta, while the back half of its body and its front legs and feet are a rich, dark blue.

While most people outside of Africa may not be immediately familiar with Mwanza, a region in Tanzania, many people around the world are very familiar with Spider-Man. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man would first appear in comics published in 1962. The character of Peter Parker would gain special powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider, and afterwards took on the name Spider-Man and became a hero. He uses his powers (which include super strength, the ability to climb walls, and a “spider-sense” that warns him of danger) to fight crime and battle supervillains, and swings from building to building using a specially made “web-shooter” of his own design.

The Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama doesn’t have any of these powers, but that doesn’t make it any less special. Its unique coloration has, in recent years, has made it a very popular reptile in the pet trade. However, as with any reptile, special care and attention are needed to ensure the lizard can live a long and healthy life in captivity.

However, if you want to bring the vibrant colors of the Spider-Man Agama into your home without any of the responsibility involved in pet care, there is another option… Safari Ltd’s new Incredible Creatures Mwanza Flat-Headed Rock Agama figure captures the striking color patterns of this lizard, and it doesn’t need a steady diet of insects to keep it looking its best and brightest!