The Mexican Spinytail Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) is a moderate sized lizard native to western Mexico from mid Sinaloa to south Oaxaca, but it has been introduced to the United States in the very southern tip of the state of Texas, and the state of Florida.

Description

Spinytail iguanas have distinctive keeled scales on their long tails, which gives them their common name. They are the largest members of the genus Ctenosaura, capable of growing to 48 inches in length, with females being slightly smaller than males, and are typically brown or grey-brown in coloration with a yellowish ventral surface. They have a crest of long scales which extend down the center of their back.

Behavior

Spinytail iguanas are excellent climbers, and prefer a rocky habitat with plenty of crevices to hide in, rocks to bask on, and nearby trees to climb. They are diurnal and fast moving, employing their speed to escape predators. They are primarily herbivorous, eating flowers, leaves, stems, and fruit, but they will opportunistically eat small animals and arthropods.

Reproduction

Mating generally occurs in the spring. Males show dominance and interest by head bobbing. In April or May, the females lay clutches of up to 50 eggs in a burrow of loose soil.

References

• Herps of Texas: Ctenosaura pectinata

Iguanas | Fauna of Mexico