Saharan Uromastyx (Yellow Phase)

Uromastyx geyri "Yellow Phase"

The Yellow Phase variant of Uromastyx geyri represents the color counterpart of the red phase, characterized by a spectacular and intense lemon-yellow or mustard-yellow coloration covering the back and sides of the animal. This coloration reaches maximum brightness and saturation in adult males, where the bright yellow stands out clearly against a background of gray or black spots arranged in horizontal bands and ocelli. Females, on the other hand, exhibit much more discrete and camouflaged tones, with a sandy or gray-brown base coloration enriched only by small yellow spots or reflections. Like the red variant, the yellow phase is also linked to polygenic selection of wild populations inhabiting the rocky and extremely hot areas of the Saharan desert. In captivity, it requires rigorous care: a spacious horizontal terrarium set up with stable rocks and crevices, extremely high basking temperatures (up to forty-five degrees Celsius), and constant exposure to high-emission UVB tubes. The diet is completely vegetarian, based on a daily mix of green leaves, edible flowers, lentils, millet seeds, and other dry seeds that guarantee the correct nutritional intake without the use of standing water, which these reptiles never drink from.