Ornate mastigure
Uromastyx ornata, commonly called the ornate mastigure, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae.
The subspecific name, philbyi, is in honor of British Arabist Harry St. John Bridger Philby.
Uromastyx ornata can reach a total length of about 14 inches. These medium-sized lizards are among the most colorful members of the genus. Body color is rather variable, but basically greenish, with a series of yellowish annuli. They have a significantly long, very spiny and slightly flattened tail, formed by 20-23 segments. On the anterior margin of the ear opening there are a few enlarged scales. On the upper side of the thighs small spines are present.
They are sexually dichromatic, as body colour depends on different sexes. In males, the main color of the back is green, blue or red with dark brown bands which can be filled with yellow or rounded yellow spots, often forming transversal rows. Females are dimmer, with a light brown background of the back and light yellow transversal lines. The belly is whitish.
The species is endemic to the Middle East. It can be found on rocky areas in Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
They are active during the day and live alone or in small groups consisting of one male and several females. They dig burrows up to 1 meter deep. During the breeding season adult males become very colorful. They, like most other members of their genus, are primarily herbivorous, though sometimes taking insects in the case of several species as well as various individuals.
