Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana
A species of Spinytail iguanas Scientific name : Ctenosaura oaxacana Genus : Spinytail iguanas
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana, A species of Spinytail iguanas
Scientific name: Ctenosaura oaxacana
Genus: Spinytail iguanas
Content
Description General Info
Photo By garyabner , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Ctenosaura oaxacana, commonly known as the Oaxacan spiny-tailed iguana, is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana predominantly feeds on plant material, with a preference for coastal foliage, fruits, and flowers. Seasonal changes notably influence their dietary patterns as they selectively consume specific plant species.
Appearance
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana is a robust, medium-sized lizard with rough, textured skin. Generally, males are larger than females. Its body color varies from dark brown to almost black, commonly featuring a pattern of light bands around the trunk. This species has a long, powerful tail, a wide head with a blunt snout and strong limbs tipped with sharp claws. It is recognized for its distinctive spiny dorsal crest which extends down to the tail.
Behavior
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana is a terrestrial species showcasing diurnal behavior. Mostly solitary, these lizards display territoriality, particularly during breeding season. An opportunistic eater, oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana forages for a diet primarily composed of insects and plant matter. They use environmental color matching as a survival method, blending their skin with the rocky landscapes of their habitat.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By garyabner , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Iguanids Genus
Spinytail iguanas Species
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana