what kind of lizard is this?

Question

The lizard looks sorta like a bearded dragon, but it doesn't have spikes all over. Just on its tail and hind legs. Someone got eveicted and the sherriff said it was a beardie, animal control let me keep it. It's tannish-brown with brown spots and it has a forked tongue. I need to know what to feed it. I'm taking it to the vet this w/e because it's not eating well and may be malnourished.

thanks, copperhead. it's a nigerian uromastyx. looks just like the one on the pets solutions page. thanks for your help guys...and gal

Answer 1

Well the fork tongue makes me think monitor or tegu but neither really look like a beardie. email me a pic and i will tell you exactly what it is.

Answer 2

I don't know about the forked tongue, but the patterning of the spikes could be a uromastyx - there are several species and different sizes & colors. These need high heat (120o+ basking spot) and can eat veggies like an iguana if thats what he is - use photo to compare and ignore color: http://www.jjphoto.dk/animal_archive/uromastyx_aegyptius_01_x.jpg

If you have or can borrow a digital camera, try posting a photo here through a photo-sharing website (as an edit to the question - box beneath your question).

EDIT - If you can't do a camera, can you give more description - size, for one? Also, if it's a uro, do not keep water with it for long - they are sensitive to humidity and need extreme dry - although from what you say, who knows what care it might have had or what he might need.

Answer 3

it sounds like a uromastyx. do a yahoo search and type in the word uromastyx. I have apair they are tanish brown in color and only haave spikes on thir tails and back legs. They also have forked tongues. If it is a uromastyx it eats fruits and veggies.

Answer 4

email me a pic