Habitat: Deserts of Africa
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail
This medium sized lizard has a stubby body and short powerful legs. There are a row of spiky scales on the tail, hence it name. Of all the spiny tailed lizards, this species has the largest tail. This species also varies greatly in color, with some being more "ornate" than others. The male is generally more colorful than females. Most have yellow spots or yellowish cross bands on the back.
This species eats mostly leaves, seeds and flowers, although it supplements that with an occasional invertebrate. It is active during the day, basking in the sun to give it energy to eat. They live in small groups of one male and several females. Males will sometimes turn females on to their backs and then walk over her abdomen. The reason for this strange ritual is unknown. Typically, females lay up to 15 eggs in June, which then hatch about two months later. Four days after hatching, the young leave the nest.
The species is found in the northeastern Africa as well as the Middle East. It thrives in the desert where it finds shelter among rock crevices. Its considered to be of "Least Concern" especially in Africa. There are local populations especially in the Middle East where they are low in numbers.
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