Indian Uromastyx (U. hardwicki)
Indian Uromastyx (U. hardwicki) are probably the least known of the reasonably available Uromastyx species. They are only sporadically imported and are rarely captively produced in North America, thus the price fluctuates widely. In-between importations from Europe, the price for adults reaches several hundred dollars even for mediocre specimens. While shortly after an importation, they can sometimes be had for as little $95 each. It's a very interesting species. They are considered the most primitive Uromastyx, retaining physical characteristics more reminiscent of the butterfly agamas. They have exceptionally numerous whorls of spines along their tails, but the spines themselves are formed more into short stub or nubs rather than long sharp spines. Typical coloration for both sexes is elephant gray with faint dark gray rectangular or broken linear spotting. Both sexes develop a large bluish black spot under each thigh (see photo below). Some individuals also develop a yellow under coating to the gray. One subspecies (U. h. babiana, as yet not found in herpetoculture in North America) develops a distinct orange cast, with a few individuals sporadically displaying faint sky blue spotting.
The literature varies somewhat concerning their size, but 12" to 14" seems about tops for the race predominately in captivity (but they supposedly reach up to 18" in the wild). Males tend towards slightly larger mature sizes, but otherwise the sexes are essentially outwardly identical. Only the presence or absence of distinct hemipenal bulges can be used to accurately distinguish between the sexes. This can be difficult to ascertain in immature specimens, so obtaining true pairs of young specimens is somewhat problematic. In the wild, they are semi-social, and are sometimes referred to as the reptilian version of the North American prairie dog. Indian Uromastyx have outgoing personalities, tame well, and make excellent pets. Consider them something of a dwarf Egyptian Uromastyx (Egyptians are their nearest Uromastyx relative). They are quite hardy, feed readily on most food items, and are an excellent species even for beginners. What they lack in bright colors, they more than make up for in "cuteness" and personality. Indian hatchlings are always the most popular of our hatchlings at trade shows.
We've posted below several photos of specimens we've
recently sold so you can get an idea of what's generally available. Please
see
Photo Gallery of Deer Fern Farms Breeding Stock
for photos of the (hopefully soon to be) parents of our Indian hatchlings.
Adolescent Male
High Yellow
Adolescent Male
Adolescent Female
Hatchling
Tail Detail
Thigh "Eye Spots"
We ship based on the prevailing weather patterns between us and
you. Usually we can ship most weeks, but when large storms/severe heat/cold are forecasted, we prefer to hold off. Please see
"Deer Fern Farms
Ordering / Policies"
for ordering information.
Email:
douglasdix@deerfernfarms.com
Copyright © 1992-2005 by Douglas Dix. All rights reserved for all photos and text
