Desert iguana
A species of Desert iguanas, Also known as Sonoran desert iguana Scientific name : Dipsosaurus dorsalis Genus : Desert iguanas
Desert iguana, A species of Desert iguanas
Also known as:
Sonoran desert iguana
Scientific name: Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Genus: Desert iguanas
Content
Description General Info
Description
The desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) is one of the most common lizards of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They also occur on several Gulf of California islands. Their color is mostly grey and tan.
General Info
Lifespan
8-15 years
Diet
Desert iguana is an insectivorous species, predominantly consuming ants, beetles, and different arthropods. It tends to actively forage during the cooler parts of the day, with young ones exhibiting more diurnal feeding habits.
Appearance
The desert iguana is a mid-sized lizard with scaly skin and a robust body which measures 3.5-5.5 inches from snout to vent. Mainly olive or brown, it sports reticulated dark and light patterns. Tail length can reach over double the body length. Notable features include strong-looking hind limbs and a pronounced dorsal crest scaling towards the tail. There are no apparent differences in appearance between genders or age groups.
Behavior
Desert iguana are primarily diurnal, using their speed for foraging and predator evasion in desert habitats. Exhibiting solitary behaviors, individials establish terriritories marked by chemical secretions and visual displays. They also show thermoregulation behavior, basking under the sun during cooler mornings and sheltering during high-temperature afternoons. Oviparous, their mating behavior includes male combat and courtship rituals.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Iguanids Genus
Desert iguanas Species
Desert iguana 
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