_Cayo.jpg&width=800)
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana
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
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A common avian predator of young iguanas.
eats
Mango
Mangifera indica
Feasts on ripe fruit when available in its habitat.
eaten by
Human
Homo sapiens
Hunted for food in parts of its native range.
eaten by
Domestic Dog
Canis familiaris
Preyed upon by stray and pet dogs.
Traits
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
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 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
How does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
