Lighting for Mali Uro/Coloring

Question
Hi Pam!

My son has a 1-1/2 yr old Mali Uromastyx....her name is Roxy and she's been in our family for almost a year now. We have read a lot on care for her and tried several different things as far as lighting, but I have a question. A few days ago, we got a new infared heat lamp and she absolutely loves it. Her basking area reaches around 110 degrees and you'd think she was in heaven. (We have a large tank and she also has a cooler side with another 'cave' to hide in as well.) My question pertains to her color. She has always been pretty bland in color, but when she basks in the new lamp, her lighter coloring turns very pale and then her 'spots' are getting yellow. It's pretty and I have seen pics of Uro's this color, but she has never been this color. Is it just that we finally got the heat lamp right and she is doing what she should by changing colors? After being out of the heat (overnight) her color is back to 'normal' and then she changes throughout the day again. I have to admit that I've never seen her so energetic and 'rowdy' than after she had a chance to bask in 110-degree heat. The lamps we had before rarely reached 95 degrees at all. Thanks so much! ~Julie

Answer
 Uros are a true desert species, they need high heat, so that is why she is reacting well to the extra warmth.  For efficiency, I would consider a Megaray mercury vapor bulb to provide your uro with good heat and best UVB.  A ceramic heat emitter on a rheostat would give off a good stable extra heat, is more energy efficient, and will last for years longer than an infrared bulb.