They are accustomed to desert climates with little vegetation and extreme heat. The U. maliensis occur primarily in the Republic of Mali. They are active during hot temperatures and seem to become more sluggish when the temperatures are low. They like to bask in the sun when the temperature ranges from 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Spiny-tailed Lizards like other lizards are exothermic, which means they do not self generate the heat needed for their bodily processes.
Heat is absorbed from outside sources.
From the sun's rays they also absorb the UVB to produce vitamin D3, which is necessary for the metabolism of calcium. The Spiny-tailed lizard loves to dig and they have an underground burrow to retreat to if the temperature is too high or if a predator is near. When threatened they will attempt to get to the entrance of the burrow and leaving the spiny tail outside, inflate their bodies, with air, to fill the entrance then violently thrash the tail back and forth to deter any predators. Spiny-tailed Lizards are herbivores and eat flowers, plants, and dates. They do occasionally feed on insects.