The Uromastyx (pronounced Euro-mass-tix) comes from the desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East. This type of lizard is small and durrable, digging deep burrows in which it lives. The Uromastyx has adapted a spiny tail to use as both a door to its home, and a whip if threatened (or woken up early in captivity!) Recently with the public interest turning to more exotic animals a pets, lizards such as this one now have a place in the common house hold (LLLReptile and Supply Company Inc, 2010).

        There are around 13 species of uromastyx. They are also referred to as 'dab lizards' or 'spiny tailed lizards'. There are six species that are found in the United States (U. aegypticus, U. ornatus, U. ocellatus, U. acanthinurus, U. hardwicki, and U. benti). The seven other species are imported to the Americas. Uromastyx aegypticus is the biggest genus of Uromastyx which can reach up to 30 inches or more in total length. The rest of the species normally range up to 14 inches (Kaplan, M.).

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