Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2001 - 2003 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name:
Uromastyx; Spiny Tail Lizard
Latin
name:
Uromastyx spp.
Native
to:
Northern Africa to the Middle East, depending upon
specific species. See below for specific details.
Size:
From 14 inches to 30 inches depending upon specific
species. See below for specific details.
Life
span:
Theorized to be 35 years in captivity
General
appearance:
All Uromastyx
have a stocky build and a well-armored tail which gives it its
common name. All species of Uromastyx also have salt glands around their
nostrils and it is not uncommon to see salt crystals build up around the
nostril. There several species in the Uromastyx
genus, but only the following species
are commonly imported and seen in the pet trade however, so we will only cover
these species below:
U. acanthinurus:
Can reach lengths of 16 inches. Colors can range
from green to yellow to even some bright orange with all colors in between.
This species can be found in northern Africa, including Morocco, Libya, Niger
and Sudan.
U. aegyptius
The largest member of the genus, U. aqgyptius
can reach lengths of 30 inches and weigh several pounds. Coloration is
highly variable but is usually dark brown to light brown or tan. As the species
name suggests, this species can be found in Egypt as well as parts of the
Middle East, including the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Iraq, and parts of Isreal.
U. benti:
This species shows some sexual dimorphism. Males
tend to have a bluish body with white spots while females are usually light tan
with reddish tails. Like most species of Uromastyx, this species rarely
exceeds lengths of 14 inches. This species is typically found in Yemen and
other parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
U. hardwicki
Coloration is highly variable but is usually dark
brown to light brown or tan. Smaller than U. aegyptius, this species will only reach lengths of 14 inches or
less. This species can be found in India and Pakistan.
U. ocellatus:
Like U. benti this species demonstrates
sexual dimorphism, with males being bluegreen or green with blotches of orange
and yellow. Females have more subtle yellows and browns and have less orange.
As in most species of Uromastyx, this
species rarely exceeds lengths of 14 inches. This species is found in Egypt and
the Middle East like U. aegyptiu.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
Aquariums, stock tanks and custom built cages can
all be used. As a general rule the cage should be four times larger than the lizard.
For example, a 12 inch by 6 inch. Uromastyx would require an enclosure 48 inches by
24 inches. Since this is a terrestrial lizard, vertical space is wasted and
custom built cages can be more practical for larger specimens.
Temperature:
This is a desert animal and can tolerate relatively
large temperature fluctuations from day to night. If breeding simulating a
“winter” with temperature lows of 55° F can be helpful.
Daytime: 85° – 95° F
Basking: 110° – 130° F
Nighttime: 60° – 70° F
Heat/Light:
As this is a desert dweller, high temperatures should
be provided by use of high power basking bulbs, ceramic emitters, or a
combination of both. They also require a relatively high degree of UVB light.
Use of such bulbs as the Zoo Med Repti-Sun 5.0 is beneficial. The new Active UV
bulbs work very well for this species as it provides both heat and light. Under
no circumstance should a hot rock be used with any animal. They are notoriously
unreliable and can cause serious injury to your pet.
Substrate:
A variety of substrates can be used for this lizard.
Newspaper can make an easy to clean, though not attractive substrate. Sand can
all be used as a substrate. If using sand, use only natural sand such as
Caribbean Play Sand which is commonly available at major home stores. Many
people are reporting intestinal impaction and bleeding from crushed walnut
substrate and most breeders are not recommending crushed walnut.
Environment:
These are terrestrial burrowing animals and do not
require any branches for climbing. They do require a hiding area that they can
feel something rubbing against their backs to feel comfortable. This can easily
be accomplished by using rocks and a piece of slate. The slate can also provide
and excellent basking spot as well for the lizard.
Diet:
These are omnivorous lizards though a majority of
their diet consists of vegetables and dark leafy greens with the occasional
insects. Vegetables such as carrots, beans, peas, corn, and many varieties of
dark greens and dandelion greens should be offered. Some bird seed can also be
added to the vegetable mix as well. Some people have even added commercially
available finch pellets to supplement the diet. Crickets, mealworms, super
worms or wax worms should be offered occasionally. Because this is a desert
dweller, water does not need to be offered as they will get all of their
moisture they need from their diet.
Maintenance:
The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A
thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution
is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before
replacing the substrate and placing the lizard back in the enclosure. Hand washing
after handling the lizard or any cage furnishings is essential.
Other
references or recommended reading:
Gray,
Randall. “Care Sheet for the Genus Uromastyx.” Retrieved Mar 14, 2003
<http://www.kingsnakecom/uromastyx>
Gray,
Randall. “Spiny-Tailed Lizards: Captive Care of the Genus Uromastyx.” 1997
Reptiles Annual
Dix,
Douglas E., PhD. ”Care Sheet for Uromastyx.” Retrieved Mar 15, 2003
<http://www.kingsnake.com/uromastyx>
Creager,
Jason “Gecko’s Mali Uromastyx Page v2.8.” Nov 7, 2001. Retrieved Mar 15, 2003
<http://jason.creager.com/uros.html>