The genus is monotypic, with only one species listed: Tropicagama temporalis, commonly known as the swamplands lashtail or northern water dragon.

The new genus – Tropicagama – was created by Melville et al. in 2018, after an extensive analysis of three genera (Amphibolurus, Gowidon and Lophognathus) that have had long-standing inconsistencies in their taxonomic classification.

[2] Sequencing and analysis of mitochondrial DNA, along with phylogenetic and divergence time analyses, reveals that the genus Tropicagama originated in the late Miocene and early Pliocene epoch.

A broad white stripe extends from the tip of the snout, over the lower and upper lips, continuing below the tympanum and down the lateral portion of the body.

[4] Within its distribution, this semi-arboreal species can be found in a range of habitats, including coastal dunes, tropical savannah woodlands, monsoon forests, paperbark swamps and billabongs, creeks and riverine environments.