Shield-tailed agama

The specific name, taylori, is in honor of British army officer Captain R. H. R. Taylor.^[3]

X. taylori is found in eastern Ethiopia and Somalia.^[2]

X. taylori is oviparous.^[2]

X. taylori lives on arid, flat land, sometimes on hilly landscapes, sandy but also hard ground, where it digs deep galleries. It survives at 45 to 50 °C (113 to 122 °F) maximum temperature, but average ranges between 25 and 35 °C (77 and 95 °F) in very dry environments, with the exception of strong spring storms and high humidity.^{[citation needed]}

Adults of X. taylori are less than 10 cm (3.9 in) in total length (including tail), and hatchlings are just over a centimeter (3/8 inch) and weigh only 3 grams (0.11 ounces).^{[citation needed]}

Like most other Xenagama species, X. taylori will shelter within self-made burrows and use the whorl-like, heavily built tail to close the burrow to evade predators.^[4]

Being a small lizard, X. taylori is essentially insectivorous, but has been seen to eat grasses, fruits, and berries.^{[citation needed]}

X. taylori is sexually dimorphic. Sexually mature males display a breeding coloration of vibrant blue on the throat for a short time of the year. Mature males possess larger femoral pores enclosed by a waxy pheromonal yellow substance.^{[citation needed]}