Black Spiny-tailed Iguana
Scientific Name: Ctenosaura similis
Category: reptile
Brief Description
A large, terrestrial lizard known for its distinctive keeled scales on its tail and its ability to run at high speeds.
Characteristics
Grey To brownish-tan coloration with black transverse bands across its body. It features a crest of elongated spines down the center of its back and a tail covered in rings of sharp, spiny scales.
Habitat
Typically found in hot, dry, open areas such as rocky hillsides, coastal cliffs, and open forests, but often adapts to urban gardens and ruins.
When to Find It
Diurnal; most active during the day while basking in the sun to regulate body temperature. Active year-round in tropical climates.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Ecological Role
Acts as both a predator of insects and small vertebrates and a primary consumer of fruits and flowers, aiding in seed dispersal. They are also a food source for larger predators.
Easily Confused With
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), which has a large circular scale on the cheek and lacks the heavily keeled spiny tail of Ctenosaura species.
Observation Tips
Look for them basking on rocks or stone walls. They are very fast and wary of humans, so use a zoom lens for photography to avoid scaring them away.
Interesting Facts
This species holds the Guinness World Record for the world's fastest lizard, having been clocked at speeds up to 21.5 mph (34.6 km/h).