Scientific
Name: Uromastyx Ornatus Origin: Egypt, Sinai and northern
Arabia Size: 12" Life Span: approximately 20 years
*Besides Moroccan
spiny-tailed lizards, Ornate spiny-tailed lizards
are the most spectacularly colored of the imported
Uromastyx. Males are green, or bluish green, with
patterns of yellow and red on the back and shoulders.
Females are more subdued in color but they will
often have flecks of red or yellow spots. The
vivid coloration of males is not obtained until
they reach sexual maturity at two or three of
age. Young males exhibit subtle color differences
from females but can best be distinguished by
their enlarged femoral pores.*
Habitat Artificial burrows allow the
animal to feel secure in its new habitat. Snake
hide boxes, upside down plastic plant saucers with
holes cut in them, or hollow concrete construction
blocks make good burrows. Sociability Most lizards are territotial,
so it is best to keep males separate. Several females
can be kept with a male but signs of stress, such
as reduced activity or weight loss should be watched
for and if observed the stressed animal should be
seperated from the others. Food
Basic herbivorous diet. Feed insects only once or
twice a week. Water
The substrate should be kept dry because in their
native habitat it rains only one or two inches per
year. Water can be continuously provided (flat dish)
but make sure that it will not spill over and raise
the cage's humidity. Lighting
The wattage of the bulb depends upon the size of
the cage. Large cages (e.g., 2 feet by 4 feet) can
be heated with a 125 watt lamp placed 12 inches
above the substrate. Temperatures below the light
will exceed 130°F (54°c) but the other end
of the cage should not rise above 90°F (32°c).
This temperature gradient allows the lizard to seek
its preferred temperature. Night time temperatures
can drop into the high 70s° (21°c) or low
60s°F (15°c) to emulate narual condition.
