Bangladesh, Aug. 13 -- A lizard with the red-and-blue colours of Spider-Man is not a creation of the internet. Several African agamas can display striking colours that closely resemble the superhero's famous suit.

The red-headed rock agama (Agama agama), also known as the common agama or rainbow lizard, is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. While females, young lizards and non-dominant males generally have less vivid colours, dominant males can develop bright red or orange heads and necks against a blue body.

The colours play an important role in communication and reproduction. Dominant males use their appearance, body postures and movements to signal their status, attract females and warn rival males. They are territorial and ma...