Spiny-tailed Iguana

Ctenosaura pectinata

The Spiny-tailed Iguana is known for its spiky tail and strong body. It loves to bask in the sun.

Habitat: Tropical forests and scrublands.

Appearance

The Spiny-tailed Iguana is a robust lizard, typically gray to brownish-black, often with faint dark bands and yellowish or orange tints, especially on males. It has a distinctive long, keeled tail covered in rings of sharp spines that give it its name.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyIguanidaeGenusCtenosaura

Spiny-tailed Iguana

Interesting facts

Their sharp claws help them climb trees and walls easily.

These lizards can stay underwater for over 30 minutes!

They like to bask on warm rocks to heat up their bodies.

Young iguanas are often bright green to blend with leaves.

Special abilities

Spiny-tailed Iguana has a spiny, keeled tail that helps them defend against predators by lashing it like a whip.

Spiny-tailed Iguana can dig complex burrows that helps them hide from danger and escape extreme temperatures.

Spiny-tailed Iguana can run up to 35 km/h because of strong legs, which helps them quickly escape predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-130 cm
Weight: 0.5-2 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 10-30
Incubation: 90-100 days

Diet & Feeding

These iguanas enjoy a mix of plants and insects, changing their menu as they grow up!

Age differences: Young iguanas eat more insects and spiders, while adults become mostly herbivorous.

Primary Foods

leaves
flowers
fruits
berries
insects
small vertebrates

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Adults and juveniles are hunted from above.

eaten by

Boa Constrictor

Boa imperator

Large snakes prey on iguanas of various sizes.

eats

Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia ficus-indica

They eat the fruits and pads of this common plant.

eats

Gray Bird Grasshopper

Schistocerca nitens

Young iguanas often feed on these abundant insects.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Thermoregulating

Learn about incredible animals that can keep their body temperature just right, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside! They have special ways to stay warm or cool.