Cyclura nubila caymanensis
A species of Cycluras Scientific name : Cyclura nubila caymanensis Genus : Cycluras
Cyclura nubila caymanensis, A species of Cycluras
Scientific name: Cyclura nubila caymanensis
Genus: Cycluras
Content
Description General Info
Photo By sea-kangaroo , used under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Cyclura nubila caymanensis exhibits a primary herbivorous diet, with specialized feeding behavior sourcing from a wide variety of vegetation, including cacti and other succulent plants indigenous to the Cayman Islands. Its social organization is largely singular, barring breeding season. This animal's ecological role is significant including contribution to seed dispersal, promoting biodiversity in its native ecosystems.
General Info
Lifespan
25-40 years
Diet
The cyclura nubila caymanensis primarily subsists on a diet rich in fruits, particularly cacti fruits, supplemented by an assortment of leaves. They prefer high fiber and low protein food, thus various plant species like Agave brittoniana, Metopium toxiferum, and Chrysophyllum oliviforme form an integral part of their diet.
Appearance
Cyclura nubila caymanensis is a sizable, robust lizard with a tough, rugged skin, banded with dark and light stripes. Its coloration ranges from gray to brown, often showcasing a bluish tint. The most distinguishing feature is its spiky crest of scales running from the back of its neck down to tail. Another unique feature, cyclura nubila caymanensis exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being generally larger and having more distinct ‘horns’ on their snouts compared to females.
Behavior
Cyclura nubila caymanensis exhibits territorial behavior, defending its space vehemently from intruders. It demonstrates remarkable sun-basking behavior for thermoregulation. This species is essentially herbivorous, foraging during the day for a variety of plants, while also displaying adaptations to a rocky terrain through its unique locomotion pattern.
Photo By sea-kangaroo , used under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Iguanids Genus
Cycluras Species
Cyclura nubila caymanensis