Do you have trouble finding that one exotic reptile as your pet?
Are you intrigued to know more about Uromastyx philbyi with a complete guide?
Hang in there!
We are here to save the day!
We understand the struggle you might have gone through. The lack of adequate information makes it difficult for one to choose and make the right decision for your pet. Indeed, it is a hard nut to crack.
Not anymore!
We have classified a comprehensive exemplar encircling the essential information you need before welcoming an Uromastyx philbyi in your home. We will discuss their habitat, care, anatomy, cost, dietary requirements, and many more.
Let us dig right into it.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Gospel. Read more about our knowledge control process here.
Contents
What is Uromastyx philbyi?
What is this reptile?
Uromastyx philbyi is a species of class Reptilia and Agamidae family. They are commonly known as Ornate Mastigure.
Where does it come from?
It mainly hails from Western Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and North-Western Yemen mountain regions.
How much does it cost?
The price ranges from $100 to $300 for an Uromastyx Philby.
How big do they get?
Uromastyx Philby can grow up to 14 to 15.7 inches long (head to tail) and weigh around 210g approximately. Male lizards flaunt vividly, whereas females have desaturated and neutral appearance.
Care level required
Medium
These lizards can flourish under rough conditions. However, they require proper thermoregulation and a favorable environment to thrive in their enclosures.
Differentiate between Philyi and Ornata
Uromastyx Philbyi is not the same as Uromastyx Ornata, but they are closely related. They are both subspecies of the ornate mastigure, a species of lizard in the family Agamidae.
Uromastyx Philbyi, also known as Philby’s spiny-tailed lizard, is endemic to western Saudi Arabia and northwestern Yemen. It has a shorter and wider tail than Uromastyx Ornata, and its body color is usually brownish or grayish with dark spots or bands.
Uromastyx ornata, also known as the eastern spiny-tailed lizard, is found in eastern Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. It has a longer and narrower tail than Uromastyx Philbyi, and its body color is more variable, ranging from green, blue, or red to yellow or orange with dark bands or spots.
How many colors of Uromastyx Philbyi are there?
Uromastyx philbyi is the whole nine yards about the blatant beauty of nature.
With their distinctive hues and natural bodily embellishments, they are an emblem of allurement for sight.
Their body physique and colors assist in the identification of their sex. Males predominantly have a more salient appearance, with striking shades of blue, green, or red.
At times, they have glaring brown or patterns on their upper body. With such brilliant saturation, male lizards are overwhelmingly spectacular.
Females, on the other hand, have neutral and dull undertones with a light brown appearance. The presence of yellow, red, and dark brown spots helps females exhibit their slighter vivacious form.
The hatchlings have a creamy brown color with black patterns at the back. Both of the sexes have their tails covered in ring-like patterns, adorned with spikes.
After all, colors are the attire of nature’s soul.
However, you may have to maintain little composure as it takes some time for a lizard to come out as its absolute sex.
Better late than never!
How much does Uromastyx philbyi cost?
The price of Uromastyx philbyi ranges from $100 to $300.
This species is an exclusive kind itself, so they are somewhat costly. The cost depends on its age, sex, and habitat type.
A juvenile will be more inexpensive than the older breeds.
The habitat of the lizard is a crucial factor in determining the well-being of your pet. It naturally dwells in rough, lofty areas.
There is a sudden shift in its surrounding environmental condition when transported as a non-captive breed. It may cause the pet to be more vulnerable and struggle in its adjustment.
Whereas, a captive breed is better familiar to tank- life and conventional gadgets for its flourishment. It can be a big struggle to find online stores.
Here we suggest Backwater Reptiles, saving you from a breaking sweat. Backwater reptiles are heaven for reptile lovers like you. Yes really!
They offer guaranteed shipping delivery with charges of $50—a medium-sized lizard costs around $300.
Basic care for Uromastyx philbyi
Uromastyx philbyi is the king of the hill in terms of its playful nature. The enjoyable aspects of its personality are limitless.
However, the lizard needs compassion for their thriving. The maintenance of its body temperature, humidity, diet, enclosures, spectrum lightings, and a lot is crucial for survival.
We have enlisted different aspects for the lizard’s proper caring to give you a good head start.
After all, well begun is half done!
Uromastyx philbyi Lifespan
These lizards can live up to 15 to 20 years approximately. The age of the non-captive breed is difficult to determine. However, the experts say that these lizards can live up to 30 years with proper administration with advancements.
Does Uromastyx philbyi require any special care compared to other Uromastyx?
As these species are desert dwellers, they need special care in terms of temperature regulation and a full lighting spectrum proffered.
It requires private enclosures to be able to live freely. These lizards tend to be aggressive when coupled with the same sex-species: otherwise, they are never aggressive.
Moreover, adequate humidification is essential as any disturbance may result in respiratory impairments.
The smart choice of substrates is necessary for its well-being as well.
Tank for Uromastyx Ornata
We all are home comforts, aren’t we?
Lizards need private spaces to be able to flourish.
A standardized notion is to buy an enclosure that is at least four times bigger than the size of your lizard. It is important to note that these terrestrial lizards need an aquarium with a greater floor area.
- A juvenile Uromastyx needs an enclosure of about at least 20 gallons. However, if you aim for petting a couple of these lizards, a 30-gallon tank will be perfect.
- An adult lizard will ideally need a tank size of at least 40 gallons of a terrarium.
- When deciding on the material of the aquarium, choose an option that permits the wavelength of UV-rays-essential for basking.
We suggest Exo Terra Terrarium Kit and Zilla Reptile Starter Kit as they are ideal for your lizard.
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Basking bulbs
Basking bulbs are essential for these lizards as they provide thermal stability to their bodies. Such a thermoregulatory mechanism promotes digestion and other metabolic activities for the proper functioning of the body.
As these reptiles are inhabitants of the deserts, therefore the physiological requirements of Uromastyx should be administered, accordingly.
The temperature should be, preferably, maintained in the range of 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The basking spots should attain a temperature of around 115 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. For the cooler spot, the bulb must achieve a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is necessary to regulate basking distance. Abstain from the use of hot rocks to decrease basking distance as it may cause accidents and harm your pet.
We highly recommend Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 and Exo Terra Repti-Glo 10.0 as they are ahead in the race.
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Substrates
Uromastyx resides in sandy dunes and has the physique to dwell in deserted mountains accordingly. Therefore, the perfect bedding for them is to have a sandy textured substrate.
They prefer bedding with a sand-soil combination that allows them to locomote and dig efficiently.
Here is a quick analysis of what substrate is better for an Uromastyx:
- Play-sand can be a good substrate. However, it may lodge a juvenile in the sand and is a breeding ground for microorganisms.
- The overall appearance for a newspaper is mostly hideous and you may struggle with arrangements of rocks. Otherwise, it provides decent bedding.
- Millet is an excellent substrate for the lizards if you aim not to breed. Millet has the potential of destroying eggs.
- Processed sands without silica are great for them.
CaribSea calcium substrate and Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner will cater your lizard to an ideal home.
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Uromastyx philbyi Diet
Plants make lizards happy.
It can happily munch on vegetables, beans along with occasional treats of fruits.Protein requirements are administered with leafy green mixes like spring salad mix.
You can also give them vegetable mixes. A couple of leafy greens with vegetables like parsley carrots, zucchini, cucumber, peas, and beans, e.t.c can be rewarding for them.
Sometimes, you can treat your pet with its favorite berries and flowers. Daily dusting with calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate supplements is essential for their growth.
Does Uromastyx philbyi Need Water To Drink?
A desert-dwelling species is built in such a manner that they require little water for survival.
Their physiology allows them to store and absorb large amounts of water via the food they devour.
There is an ample amount of water in fresh fruits and vegetables. Therefore, its diet alone is sufficient to relieve its thirst.
Do you need to bathe your Uromastyx philbyi?
Absolutely not!
The body of this lizard is accustomed to living in an arid environment. Such habitats have lower levels of humidity.
Uromastyx needs regulated humidity. A bathing experience will provide excess water to their skin, causing respiratory impairment and other complications.
Common diseases of Uromastyx philbyi
Photo-Kerato Conjunctivitis:
Improper placement or malfunctioning UVB light bulbs can result in eye infections, in severe cases, even blindness.
Impaction:
In case your pet devours an indigestible substance, it can cause restrain in the digestive tract and affect its gut health.
Tail rot:
Due to abnormal moisture levels in the terrarium, fungal growth is induced, which causes infection.
Wrapping up!
This is it!
Absolute dedication and care are needed for your Uromastyx, but trust us, it’s all worth it!
Patience is the key!
Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts. We will get back to you.
