Keeping and Breeding of Saudi Arabian Spiny-Tailed Lizard (Uromastyx ornata philbyi Parker, 1938)at BION Terrarium Center

BION Terrarium Center has many years of experience in keeping Saudi Arabian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx ornata philbyi Parker, 1938).

Uromastyx ornata philbyi Parker, 1938 is a medium-sized representative of the genus Uromastyx. Maximum total length is about 34 cm (13.39 in). Tail length is about 71% of SVL on average. There are about 138–193 scales at mid body and 69–96 scales between the inguinal and gular fold. The tail is slightly flattened and consists of 17–22 whorls. This subspecies, in comparison to the nominate subspecies (U. o. ornata) has a shorter wider tail. Tail length is about 3–4 times the maximum of tail width. On both sides, there are 7-14 preanofemoral pores.

During the mating period these lizards no doubt are one of the most colorful spiny-tailed lizards. The deep blue color spots on deep blue background are priority of males. Located on the dorsum are 6-8 yellow cross bands, which fuse to form dark brown-edged eyespots.

Ground color is green. Dark brown vermiculation is located between cross bands. The throat, forelimbs, dorsal surface of the hind limbs, tail base, temporal and occipital regions may be blue in color (Wilms, 2005).

We keep adult U. o. philbyi in horizontal terrariums that should be long enough to provide temperature gradient. We use terrariums of 90*60*60 cm (35*23*23 in) for a pair (1.1).

We provide a layer of coarse sand or pressed loam as a substrate. Decoration includes bamboo steams, stones and artificial shelters (a ceramic plate on stones/2 bamboo trunks) along the terrarium’s perimeter and especially under the basking point (Fig. 3). We keep them in pairs since animals of the same sex demonstrate aggression towards each other. On the opposite side from the basking place we make a hill of coarse sand that is lightly moistened during breeding season.

Lighting. Since these lizards are arid and diurnal, high light intensity is needed. We use LED lamps for lighting and a Raptor Solar lamps for heating and UV in one corner of the terrarium. We use them for making basking place above a ceramic plate. UV-light is necessary. Lighting period is 14 hours during mating season and 12 hours at other time except winter dormancy.