Black spiny-tailed iguana

The black spiny-tailed iguana, scientifically known as Ctenosaura similis, is the largest species within the Ctenosaura genus. This iguanid lizard is native to southern Mexico and Central America, with its distribution extending from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec southward to Panama.

Physical Characteristics and Habitat

Adult black spiny-tailed iguanas are characterized by their distinctive black, keeled scales on their tail, which lends them their common name. Males can attain a length of up to 1.3 meters (4 ft 3 in), while females are slightly smaller, reaching 0.8 to 1 meter (2 ft 7 in to 3 ft 3 in). A notable feature is the crest of long spines that runs down the center of their back. Their coloration typically consists of a whitish gray or tan ground color adorned with 4 to 12 well-defined dark dorsal bands. During the breeding season, males often display striking orange hues around their head and throat, complemented by blue and peach highlights on their jowls.

These lizards are adept climbers and favor rocky environments that offer abundant crevices for shelter, rocks for basking, and nearby trees. They are commonly found in grasslands and forests, and their adaptability allows them to inhabit disturbed areas as well.

Diet and Behavior

Black spiny-tailed iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet of flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will supplement their diet with smaller animals such as rodents, bats, frogs, small birds, eggs, and arthropods, with juveniles tending to be more insectivorous before transitioning to a more herbivorous diet as they mature. They are known for their speed, holding the Guinness World Record for the world's fastest lizard with a maximal sprint speed of 34.6 kilometers per hour (21.5 mph), which they use to evade predators. If cornered, they will defend themselves by lashing their tails and biting.

Reproduction

Mating typically commences at the beginning of the dry season, with males engaging in courtship rituals involving head bobbing and flick-licking. Females lay clutches of up to 30 eggs in communal nesting sites, and the eggs hatch approximately 90 days later, with hatchlings emerging from the sand. Juveniles reach reproductive maturity around two to three years of age.

Distribution and Introduced Populations

Beyond their native range, black spiny-tailed iguanas have been introduced and established in various locations, including southern Florida in the United States, several islands in the Bahamas, and in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. In Florida, they have formed feral populations and can pose a threat to native species due to their opportunistic feeding habits and ability to thrive in diverse environments.

Commercial Use

In certain regions of Central America, the black spiny-tailed iguana, sometimes referred to as the "chicken of the trees," is farmed for consumption and for export to the pet trade. Despite being heavily hunted in some areas, the species is not reported to be endangered within its native territory.