ExploreReptiles

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana

Ctenosaura similis

The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is a lively lizard that loves to bask in the sun! With its spiky tail and strong legs, it can climb trees and run fast when it needs to escape.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is a large lizard, typically dark grey to black, sometimes with yellow or orange markings. It has distinct keeled scales forming prominent dorsal crests and a tail covered in sharp, spiky rings. Juveniles are often bright green.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyIguanidaeGenusCtenosaura
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana
omnivorous trait badgearboreal trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badge
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

8

Interesting facts

Males turn bright orange and yellow during breeding season!

These speedy lizards can run up to 35 km/h on two legs!

They are the fastest lizard in the world, on average!

Young iguanas are often bright green, changing color as they grow!

Special abilities

Ability

Lightning Sprint

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana can run at incredible speeds on two legs that helps them quickly escape predators.

Ability

Spiky Tail Defense

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana has a tail covered in sharp spines that helps them powerfully swat away threats.

Ability

Expert Burrower

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana can dig deep burrows that helps them hide from heat and keep safe from predators.

Ability

Underwater Escape

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana can hold its breath for long periods that helps them hide from danger in water.

Measurements & details

Length
25-150 cm
Weight
0.5-5 kg
Lifespan
15-25 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Swim Speed
5 km/h
Clutch Size
10-30
Incubation
85-90 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore, it enjoys a varied diet of plants, fruits, and small animals.

Age differences: Juveniles are primarily insectivorous, becoming more herbivorous as they mature.

Primary Foods

  • Fruits
  • Flowers
  • Leaves
  • Insects
  • Crabs
  • Small rodents

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild iguanas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Black Spiny-tailed Iguana?

The easiest way to identify Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Black Spiny-tailed Iguana?

25-150 cm

How much does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana weigh?

0.5-5 kg

How long does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana live?

15-25 years

How fast can Black Spiny-tailed Iguana move?

35 km/h

What does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana eat?

An omnivore, it enjoys a varied diet of plants, fruits, and small animals.

How fast can Black Spiny-tailed Iguana swim?

5 km/h

Where is Black Spiny-tailed Iguana usually found?

Coastal areas

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