ExploreReptiles

Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard

Uromastyx nigriventris

The Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard is a colorful lizard with a spiky tail! It loves to bask in the sun and can be found in hot, dry places. These lizards are friendly and can live for many years.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard is a stocky reptile with a broad, flattened body and a distinctive, heavily spined tail. Its skin can vary from sandy yellow to earthy brown, often with dark spots, helping it blend into arid landscapes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyAgamidaeGenusUromastyx
Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

During winter, they enter a sleepy state called brumation, a bit like reptile hibernation!

Some people call them 'Dabb lizards' because of their squat, flat bodies!

Their deep burrows can be over 30 feet long, like an underground super-highway!

They can go for long periods without drinking, getting all their water from plants!

Special abilities

Ability

Spiny Tail Defense

Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard can powerfully whip its spiny tail to deter predators, helping them stay safe.

Ability

Desert Burrower

Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard can dig deep burrows that help them escape extreme heat and hide from danger.

Ability

Salt Excreters

Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard has special glands that help them get rid of excess salt from their plant diet.

Ability

Sun Seeker

Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard can change its skin color to absorb more sun or reflect it when hot.

Measurements & details

Length
25-45 cm
Weight
0.2-0.6 kg
Lifespan
15-25 years
Top Speed
20 km/h
Clutch Size
6-12
Incubation
60-90 days

Diet & Feeding

These lizards are primarily plant-eaters, munching on leaves, flowers, and seeds.

Primary Foods

  • leaves
  • flowers
  • seeds
  • grasses
  • fruits

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

A common bird of prey that hunts these lizards.

eaten by

Montpellier Snake

Malpolon monspessulanus

A large, fast snake that preys on lizards.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

A desert predator that can dig lizards from burrows.

depends on

Jujube

Ziziphus lotus

Provides a crucial food source in arid habitats.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and never try to catch a wild lizard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard?

25-45 cm

How much does Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard weigh?

0.2-0.6 kg

How long does Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard live?

15-25 years

How fast can Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard move?

20 km/h

What does Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard eat?

These lizards are primarily plant-eaters, munching on leaves, flowers, and seeds.

Where is Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard usually found?

Desert

How does Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard lay?

6-12

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