All about the Ornata
Outline
There are two recognized subspecies of Uromastyx ornata. The Ornate Uromastyx (uromastyx ornata ornata) and the Saudi Arabian Uromastyx (Uromasyx ornata philbyi). Ornate Uromasyx are one of the original species of Uromastyx brought into the US. These Uromastyx are also one of the most colorful species of Uromastyx imported.
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Uromastyx o. ornata are found along coastal regions of the following:
East Egypt, Israel, western Saudi Arabia
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Uromastyx o. philby are found along the following:
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West Saudi Arabia, Northwest Yemen, mainly the locations which bridge between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Coloration
The ornata species of Uromastyx is recognized as one of the most objectively vibrant and beautiful species in captivity. We classify them as objectively beautiful due to the fact numerous color and variations can be found. ​​
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Some of the color combinations are as follows:
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Green
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Greek and Blue
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Blue
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Blue and Orange
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Blue and Pink
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Green, Blue and Red
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The thing about Ornate Uromastyx is all males will be colorful. I have yet to see an adult male fail to color. Some color variations tend to take longer to develop. In comparison, blue scales will usually start developing on healthy male babies within the first six months of life. Green scales will develop closer to the two year mark for male babies. This is part of the reason the blue Ornate's are so popular. The instant gratification of animals which color up quickly is fun. But, the vibrancy of the green is nothing to look over.
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There is a large sexual-dimorphism between male and female Ornate Uromastyx. Female Orante's are usually tan in base color with vibrant yellow spots. But, some females will develop peach and orange coloration along their body.
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"Male-mimic"
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Although it is not common or widely seen, female ornate Uromastyx have the possibility of male-mimicking. The female will assume some of the vibrancy of the male Ornates and also show blues and greens. This is mainly observed in older females who have bred for years. And this will happen very late in their life. The current ideology is females will assume male coloration and characteristics to discourage breeding from males.
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Characteristics
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Overall size of these animals can vary significantly. Some reach maximum size at 12" which is assumed as the standard and common length for both female and male ornate Uromastyx. This is not a guarantee, some of my 10 year old's stopped growling closer to 8" and some are closer to 14".
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Sex determination for Ornate's is much more reliable than some other species of Uromastyx. These animals rarely have false bulges.
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Male Ornate Uromastyx have a pronounced hemi-penile bulge. Males will develop pronounced femoral pores. Once your animal begins to reach maturity you will also see secretion staining on the males hip and belly region. Not commonly recognized, the development of blue scales on the cheeks under 1-year old will also be seen on males only.
*Color is not a valid gender determinant factor, this is thrown in as a tidbit observation only.
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Female Ornate Uromastyx do not display the hemi-penial bulge. On skinny females, they will have a Y-shaped cloaca and tendon shaped bulge. On healthy or chubby females, you will see a completely flat base to the tail. Female Ornate's do not develop femoral pores, nor will they display secretion staining on their belly and hip area.
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Obesity in Ornate Uromastyx is one of the most common health concerns.
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Fatty liver and organ stress is the biggest cause for early death in Ornate Uromastyx. Visit the 'Uromastyx Diet' page for a full list of food options and rotations. A Uromastyx of any species should be able to pickup their entire body and walk without dragging their belly.
An Ornate Uromastyx should have a life-span of 20 years as a minimum. This is only achievable due to their care. If these animals in wild populations have an average life of 15-20 years, then we in captivity with control and protection should be keeping these animals longer. It is hypothesized Ornate Uromastyx in captivity should live to be over 35 years old.
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An average color phase of the male Ornate. Clean linework, yellow spotted bands on the back, with a myriad of blue and green scales developing.
A male Ornate Uromastyx under 1-year old. The beginning stages of color development on the cheeks
A male Ornate Uromastyx with another common color mix of clean linework, with yellow spotted bands on the back, solid blue base color, and deep orange maple leaf patterns developing along the back.
Two female Ornates, both tan in base color, one developing a hint of blue around the face and shoulders, the other keeping neutral. Females tend to have less clear linework, and are more prone to overall body speckling in a light brown color.
One of my more popular males. He has a very specific neon green color closer to the hue of Chartreuse. His color is still developing, which is common for Ornate Uromastyx on the green phase spectrum.
One of my pairs of Ornate Uromastyx. The male is passively letting his female bask along his back.
This is a captive bred baby Ornate Uromastyx. They were quite active as a baby, but established a pattern of behavior. Starting the day, they would bask and heat up for 45 minutes, run around the enclosure and eat food, and if they're desperate come to the door and ask to be let out.
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Then, repeat this until bedtime.
Behavior
The ornata species of Uromastyx as a whole are great first time Uromastyx for many keepers. They are extremely friendly and inquisitive. They are food driven and curious.
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When you buy captive bred Ornate Uromastyx, these animals are highly social with their humans.
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A common question for us is "Are they handleable?"
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In my opinion, yes.
Captive Bred Baby Uromastyx do not have the trauma and fear most wild caught animals will have. They are trusting and curious. They love to explore their cages. Babies are still in that window of time where they are willing to try all food options you provide them.
They also have a flexibility window within the first year where they become used to your specific enclosure parameters. They build their taste buds, and this is where the picky eating comes from. Picky eating in only observed in spoiled animals. It is not a bad thing or a good thing.
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Captive Bred or Wild Caught
If you have experience treating and establishing wild caught Uromastyx, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having them.
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Some of the down sides are they are 'flighty'. They get scared much easier, they run away and they hide. It takes a lot of actual work to establish that trust. You have to have patience. Sometimes, you have to recognize each animal has their specific personalities and some wild caught Uromastyx just never become friendly.
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Another issue is they can come in sick, or they are so stressed out they get sick very easily. It takes a very long time to build security in wild animals. during that window of stress, they can be susceptible to bacterial infections or parasites.
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You also cant guarantee the age of wild animals. There have been numerous studies showing the growth pattern of wild Uromastyx in captivity can be up to six times faster than in wild populations. You may have a half colored male, half the size of its full potential, who is already 15-20 years old.
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There is no sales pitch, know what you are getting and more specifically know what you are getting yourself into.
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Breeding Behaviors
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Ornate Uromastyx are not an aggressive breeder like some other species of Uromastyx.
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The Ornate Uromastyx seem to take a longer time to court their female companions. They have a ritual; head bob at the female to show interest. Approach her, ask for permission. If the female is unreceptive she will flip onto her back. This means no lock will occur and the male usually gives up. If she does not flip onto her back, the male will hesitantly climb onto her and begin to scent her. The femoral pores secrete a white wax like substance of lipids, which the male then rubs on the back of his female. He will run circles on her back area, causing white streaks of these wax like secretions. If the female is still receptive a successful lock will occur. ​
