SPINY IGUANA
Ctenosaura pectinata
DESCRIPTION
The Spiny Iguana, or Ctenosaura pectinata, is a robust lizard characterized by its distinctive spiny scales along the back and tail. It typically exhibits a gray to brown coloration, which helps it blend into its rocky and arid habitats. These iguanas are known for their agility and can often be seen basking in the sun or climbing trees, showcasing their excellent climbing abilities.
FUN FACTS
- Spiny Iguanas are known for their impressive climbing skills, which allow them to escape predators and find food in trees
- They can often be seen basking on rocks or branches, soaking up the sun to regulate their body temperature.| These iguanas have a unique social structure where males establish territories and display aggressive behaviors to ward off rivals
- Their spiny appearance not only serves as a defense mechanism but also plays a role in attracting mates during the breeding season
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight1-2 kg
Average Length0.5-1 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally seen in small groups
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Spiny Iguanas inhabit dry, rocky areas, often found in scrublands and semi-arid regions. They prefer environments with plenty of sunlight and places to hide from predators.
- Biomes
- Desert, Scrubland
- Native Range
- The native range of the Spiny Iguana includes parts of Mexico and Central America.
- Continent
- North America, Central America
- Countries
- Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
- Diet
- Spiny Iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials including leaves, flowers, and fruits. They may occasionally consume insects and other small invertebrates.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, flowers, fruits
- Social Structure
- solitary, occasionally seen in small groups
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-5
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
1-2 kg
Weight
0.5-1 m
Length
- Coloration
- gray to brown with spiny scales
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger and more colorful than females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 5-15
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to urbanization and agriculture. Additionally, they are sometimes hunted for the pet trade.
- Predators
- birds of prey, snakes, larger mammals
- Defense Mechanisms
- Spiny Iguanas can use their spiny scales as a defense mechanism, making them less palatable to predators. They also rely on their agility to escape quickly into crevices or trees.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon