Black spiny-tailed iguana

Biological classificationata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Family: Iguanidae

Appearance

Sexually grown black spiny-tailed iguanas, on average, are about 1 m long and weigh from 3 to 6 kg. Males are slightly larger than females and have elongated "spines" along the spine. Coloring scales varies from gray-brown to black, with white or yellowish spots, unevenly scattered around the trunk. Young individuals are often bright green or gray with dark stripes.

Distribution and mode of life

Distributed in the west of Mexico from Sinaloa to Chiapas. In the United States they could be found in the south of the states of Texas and Florida.

Live in groups, mostly in rocky landscapes with a large number of cracks where they can easily hide from danger. Active during the daytime.

Diet

The basis of the diet of young iguanas is invertebrate animals; Adult animals mostly consume plant foods – flowers, fruits, bins and only occasionally – eggs, invertebrates and small vertebrates.

Breeding

Mating takes place in the spring. After mating the female digs a nest in the soil, where lays up to 50 eggs. The incubation period lasts 80-90 days, and bright green juvenile individuals dig their way out of the sand.

Environmental protection status

The species is on the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (LC – least concern).

In Kyiv zoo black spiny-tailed iguana lives in Terrarium in the "Desert" pavilion