Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana, scientific name Ctenosaura similis, is in the Family Iguanidae. I found this guy while on Spring Break for a Western Caribbean Cruise. I was on the beach in Cozumel and this iguana happened to poking his head out of one of the huts. I could not identify if it was a male or female. It was dark in color and probably was about 3 ft in length. This lizard is native to Mexico and Central America; furthermore it has been introduced into the United States. The common name is derived from Greek words "Cteno" meaning comb (referring to the spikes/spines that run down the dorsal side to the tail) and "saura," which means lizard. They have distinct keeled scales on their long tails. Coloration can vary in these iguanas, but they usually have a tan color with 4-12 dark dorsal bands that are on the ventral sides. Some males my also develop a orange color around the head and throat during the breeding season. Adults can range from 3-4 feet in length. Their diet consists of plants, but they are very opportunistic and will take advantage of things such as smaller animals and eggs. They prefer rocky habitats with plenty of space for hiding. They also need places to bask on. They breeding season occurs in the springtime. A male will bob his head eventually chasing and catching the female. Females will lay about 30 eggs deep in the sand that take about 90 days to hatch. They juveniles typically have a green color to them that will fade as they mature.
Anna Paraskos (picture also taken by Anna Paraskos)
No comments:
Post a Comment