Lesser ornate whorltail iguana
A species of Whorltail iguanas Scientific name : Stenocercus ornatissimus Genus : Whorltail iguanas
Lesser ornate whorltail iguana, A species of Whorltail iguanas
Scientific name: Stenocercus ornatissimus
Genus: Whorltail iguanas
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Josue Hermoza , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Lesser ornate whorltail iguana exhibits fascinating adaptations to its arid Andean habitat. Known for its solitary lifestyle, this reptile maintains large territories through scent-marking behaviors, ensuring minimal resource competition. Ingesting a diverse diet of insects and plant matter, lesser ornate whorltail iguana plays a vital role in local ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in the dispersal of seeds.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Lesser ornate whorltail iguana's primary consumption leans toward arthropods, specifically insects. However, not selective in dietary habits, it also indulges in small amounts of plant matter, denoting an omnivorous diet.
Appearance
Lesser ornate whorltail iguana is a medium-sized lizard with a robust, elongated body covered in rough skin. Its primaries coloration is strikingly varied, ranging from greenish yellow to orange-red, adorned with a series of thick, dark bands around the body. It sports a compact, triangular head, a long tail which is often coiled, and rows of spiky scales running down the spine. Notable sexual dimorphism is seen, with males having larger heads and more pronounced scales.
Behavior
Lesser ornate whorltail iguana is a diurnal lizard, frequently observed basking on tree trunks and rocks in early morning. This solitary animal is territorial, often found marking spaces by head bobbing, throat extension, and color change. Lesser ornate whorltail iguana feeds on arthropods, displaying strong chase behaviors and visual acuity. The males demonstrate unique courtship behavior, showcasing pronounced body coloration and posturing to attract females.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Neotropical ground lizards Genus
Whorltail iguanas Species
Lesser ornate whorltail iguana 
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