Ctenosaura pectinata
Least Concern (IUCN Redlist); Threatened (Mexican Red List NOM-059-2001)·Oviparous (egg-laying)
The western spiny-tailed iguana, scientifically known as Ctenosaura pectinata, is a moderately large lizard native to western Mexico. This species is characterized by its distinctive keeled scales on its tail, a crest of spines down its back, and variable coloration ranging from brown to grey-brown, with a yellowish underside. While primarily herbivorous as adults, juveniles consume insects, and they are known for their social behavior and adaptation to rocky habitats with nearby trees.
Key Facts
- ›Native to western Mexico, Ctenosaura pectinata is also known as the western spiny-tailed iguana.
- ›Adults can reach up to 1.3 meters in total length, with females typically being smaller.
- ›They possess a crest of long spines on their back and distinctive keeled scales on their tail.
- ›Juveniles are bright green and unmarked except for black tail bands, while adults are usually brown or grey-brown.
- ›Ctenosaura pectinata is primarily herbivorous but will opportunistically eat small animals and eggs.
- ›This species is social and diurnal, often found in rocky areas with trees and basking rocks.
Western Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Mexican Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Guerreran Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Broad-Ringed Spiny-Tailed Iguana
- Western Mexico
- Introduced Populations In South Florida, Usa
- Introduced Populations In Brownsville, Texas, Usa
Coastal Lowlands, Dry Forests, Rocky Habitats, Areas With Trees, Valleys, Canyons
- Moderately Large Lizard
- Can Grow Up To 1.3 m In Total Length
- Distinctive Keeled Scales On Its Long Tail
- Crest of Long Spines Down the Center of Its Back
- Dorsally Brown Or Grey-Brown Coloration
- Yellowish Ventral Surface
- May Have An Irregular Piebald Pattern On Head Or Dorsal Areas
- Tail May Be Banded With Light and Dark Crossbands
- Typically Lacks Clear Or Well-Developed Crossband Pattern On the Body
- Varies From Gray To Brownish-Black, With Some Males Exhibiting Yellowish Colors and Females Orange Colors On Lateral Body Sides
- Young Are Bright Green and Unmarked Except For Black Tail Bands, Present Also On Adults
- Juveniles: Insects
- Adults: Primarily Herbivorous
- Opportunistically Consume Small Animals and Eggs
- Social Lizard, Lives In Groups
- Excellent Climbers
- Prefer Rocky Habitat With Crevices, Basking Rocks, and Nearby Trees
- Diurnal
- Fast-Moving
- Uses Speed To Escape Predators
- Will Lash With Tail and Bite If Cornered
- Often Found Dwelling Near Or In Towns
Not Specified In Text
Hunting, Trapping, Illegal Trading, Habitat Loss
About Ctenosaura pectinata
Ctenosaura pectinata: The Western Spiny-Tailed Iguana
Ctenosaura pectinata, commonly known as the western spiny-tailed iguana, is a reptile species native to the coastal lowlands of western Mexico. This moderately large lizard is distinguished by its prominent dorsal spines and the keeled scales adorning its tail, features that give rise to its common name. While its official conservation status from the IUCN is 'Least Concern,' it is listed as threatened within Mexico, where hunting and illegal trading pose significant challenges to its population.
Description and Habitat
Adult western spiny-tailed iguanas can reach impressive lengths of up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet), with females typically being slightly smaller. Their coloration varies, generally appearing brown or grey-brown on their backs with a yellowish underside, though males may exhibit yellowish hues and females orange tones on their flanks. Juveniles present a striking bright green color, gradually darkening as they mature. These iguanas are well-adapted to rocky environments, showing a preference for habitats that offer plenty of crevices for shelter, rocks for basking, and nearby trees for climbing. They are primarily diurnal and exhibit considerable speed, using it as their main defense mechanism.
Diet and Behavior
The diet of Ctenosaura pectinata shifts as they grow. While juveniles are insectivorous, feeding mainly on insects, adults transition to a predominantly herbivorous diet. Their adult diet consists of a wide array of flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will also supplement their diet with small animals and eggs. Unlike some other spiny-tailed iguana species that are solitary, Ctenosaura pectinata is a social lizard, often living in groups. They are frequently observed near or within human settlements in their native range and in areas where they have been introduced.
Reproduction
Reproduction for Ctenosaura pectinata typically occurs in the spring. Males engage in courtship displays, including head bobbing, before pursuing females. After mating, females excavate nests in loose soil and lay clutches of up to 50 eggs, which incubate for approximately 90 days. The hatchlings emerge from the sand as bright green individuals, often around July, and are abundant in August.
Distribution and Introduced Populations
Beyond its native Mexican range, Ctenosaura pectinata has been introduced to parts of the United States, notably in South Florida and Brownsville, Texas, where feral populations have established and reproduced. In Florida, these iguanas have been observed on Key Biscayne, Hialeah, and in Broward County, as well as on Gasparilla Island. These introduced populations have sometimes been regarded as a nuisance due to their impact on ornamental plants, nesting birds, and even electrical cables, with concerns also raised about potential damage to dunes and seawalls due to their burrowing habits.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the western spiny-tailed iguana?
The scientific name for the western spiny-tailed iguana is Ctenosaura pectinata. This name was given by German zoologist Arend Friedrich August Wiegmann in 1834. The genus name Ctenosaura comes from Greek words meaning 'comb' and 'lizard', referring to its spiny features.
What are the common names for Ctenosaura pectinata?
Ctenosaura pectinata is commonly known as the western spiny-tailed iguana. It has also been referred to by earlier standardized names as the Mexican spiny-tailed iguana, though this name has also been applied to other species. Other common names include spiny-tailed iguana, black spiny-tailed iguana, Guerreran spiny-tailed Iguana, and broad-ringed spiny-tailed iguana.
Where does Ctenosaura pectinata live?
Ctenosaura pectinata is native to the coastal lowlands of Western Mexico, ranging from Sinaloa to western Chiapas. It can also be found in valleys and canyons of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur, including parts of the Rio Balsas Basin. Feral populations have also been established in parts of Florida and Texas.
What does Ctenosaura pectinata eat?
The diet of Ctenosaura pectinata varies with age. Juveniles primarily consume insects. Adult iguanas are mainly herbivorous, feeding on a variety of flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits. They will also opportunistically eat small animals and eggs.
How large can a western spiny-tailed iguana get?
Ctenosaura pectinata is a moderately large lizard. Adults can grow up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) in total length, including their tail. Females are generally slightly smaller, reaching up to 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) in total length.
What are the physical characteristics of Ctenosaura pectinata?
This iguana is characterized by distinctive keeled scales on its long tail and a crest of long spines running down its back. Adults are typically brown or grey-brown dorsally with a yellowish underside. They may have an irregular piebald pattern on their head or dorsal areas, and while the tail might be banded, the body usually lacks clear crossbands, unlike closely related species.
Is Ctenosaura pectinata endangered?
The IUCN Redlist classifies Ctenosaura pectinata as 'Least Concern'. However, it is listed as threatened on the Mexican Red List NOM-059-2001, making it illegal to hunt in Mexico. Despite these protections, illegal hunting and trading remain an issue in remote areas.
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