# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Desert ![Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Uromastyx_nigriventris_-_Uromastyx_acanthinurus_nigriventris_-_M%C3%A9nagerie_Paris_06.JPG&width=800) Photo: Cedricguppy - Loury Cédric, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Uromastyx_nigriventris_-_Uromastyx_acanthinurus_nigriventris_-_M%C3%A9nagerie_Paris_06.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Agamidae - **Genus:** Uromastyx ## 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 - **Spiny Tail Defense:** Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard can powerfully whip its spiny tail to deter predators, helping them stay safe. - **Desert Burrower:** Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard can dig deep burrows that help them escape extreme heat and hide from danger. - **Salt Excreters:** Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard has special glands that help them get rid of excess salt from their plant diet. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch from a distance and never try to catch a wild lizard. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Moroccan Spiny-tailed Lizard Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/moroccan-spiny-tailed-lizard)