BLACK SPINY TAIL IGUANA
Common Name: Black Spiny Tail Iguana
Scientific Name: Ctenosaura similis
Type: Iguana
Diet: Omnivore
Average Life Span: 15 to 25 years
Size: 3 to 4 feet in length
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Current Population Trend: Stable
Scientific Name: Ctenosaura similis
Type: Iguana
Diet: Omnivore
Average Life Span: 15 to 25 years
Size: 3 to 4 feet in length
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Current Population Trend: Stable
About the Black Spiny Tail Iguana
The black spiny-tailed iguanas, are a native species of Mexico and Central America. They are typically found in hot, dry areas but can also be found in forested, moist areas in Belize. These are the fastest running lizards in the world with a recorded speed of up to 21 mph.
Diet
These iguanas are omnivorous and can be found feasting on anything from green leaves and shoots to tasty insects, eggs and small animals. Juveniles though, tend to be more insectivorous than the adults.
Reproduction
The female normally lays its eggs in the sand 8 to 10 weeks after mating and the eggs sit there for about 90 days prior to hatching.
Behavior
The black spiny-tailed iguanas are extremely aggressive reptiles and will bite when they feel threatened. They are of least concern on the IUCN species list but are still subjected to habitat loss and increased hunting (as well as the eggs) as they are considered a delicacy throughout Central America.
Source: The Belize Zoo
The black spiny-tailed iguanas, are a native species of Mexico and Central America. They are typically found in hot, dry areas but can also be found in forested, moist areas in Belize. These are the fastest running lizards in the world with a recorded speed of up to 21 mph.
Diet
These iguanas are omnivorous and can be found feasting on anything from green leaves and shoots to tasty insects, eggs and small animals. Juveniles though, tend to be more insectivorous than the adults.
Reproduction
The female normally lays its eggs in the sand 8 to 10 weeks after mating and the eggs sit there for about 90 days prior to hatching.
Behavior
The black spiny-tailed iguanas are extremely aggressive reptiles and will bite when they feel threatened. They are of least concern on the IUCN species list but are still subjected to habitat loss and increased hunting (as well as the eggs) as they are considered a delicacy throughout Central America.
Source: The Belize Zoo