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The animal on the cover of SQL Cookbook is an Agamid lizard. These lizards belong to the Agamidae family and have more than 300 species among them. Agamids can be found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Southern Europe, and are characterized by strong legs and—in some varieties—the ability to change color. Unlike other species of lizards, agamids cannot regenerate their tails if they lose them. They can be found in varied environments from hot deserts to warm, wet tropical rainforests.

Several species of agamids are popular as pets. Among these are the Bearded Dragon (genus Pogona). Calm, yet curious, these creatures grow to be only about 20 inches. Even with their small stature, they are still considered “giant” lizards, and therefore require ample space. Males are generally territorial and, although they are social animals, overcrowding can lead to stress, especially when the animals have no place to hide. Overcrowding can lead to injuries from fighting such as lost toes and tails, as well as a loss of appetite.

The head of the bearded lizard is triangular in shape and features many spikes protruding from its chin. These spikes resemble whiskers (thus the name). The spikes are also found along its side. Bearded dragons open their mouths and display their spiky beards to scare predators and other beardeds. They also can flatten their bodies to appear larger. As pets, they may stop displaying their beards once they become comfortable with their owners and habitats.

Although they originated in Australia, the bearded dragons sold by U.S. dealers are descendants of animals that were imported from Europe. This is due to Australia’s strict export laws regarding wildlife.

The Flying Lizard (draco volans) is another varied example of an agamid lizard. Measuring slightly less than 12 inches, this animal has a long, thin body with flaps of skin along its ribs. The male flying lizard will claim two to three trees for its territory with one to three females living in each tree. In order to transport itself from one place to another, it glides from trees or other high places by extending its skin flaps like wings. However, it usually does not fly in rain or wind. When threatened, the flying lizard may also extend its skin flaps to appear larger.

Another interesting variety of the agamidae family is the Red Headed Rock Agama (Agama agama) found in sub-Saharan Africa. These creatures often live in groups of 10 to 20 with an older male acting as the group’s “leader.” At night, their coloring is dark brown, but at dawn, their bodies change to light blue with a bright orange head and tail. Their skin coloring changes with their mood, acting like a virtual mood ring. For example, when males fight, their heads will become brown, while white spots appear along the body.

Many of the animals on O’Reilly covers are endangered; all of them are important to the world.

The cover illustration is by Karen Montgomery, based on a black and white engraving, loose plate, source unknown. The cover fonts are Gilroy Semibold and Guardian Sans. The text font is Adobe Minion Pro; the heading font is Adobe Myriad Condensed; and the code font is Dalton Maag’s Ubuntu Mono.

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