The Western spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) is originally from western Mexico. Its distribution area extends from Sinaloa to Oaxaca.. It was introduced in Brownsville (Texas) and in South Florida. There are several feral populations. On the southeast coast of Floria, the western Mexican black iguana is found on Key Biscayne, Hialeah and in Broward County. It has also been sighted off the southwestern coast of Florida., on the island of Gasparilla. It is estimated that there are currently 12.000 iguanas on this island. Over the years 70, some animals from homes were released into the wild. These iguanas are considered a nuisance on Gasparilla Island because they eat ornamental flowers and shrubs., as well as the nesting birds and turtle eggs.

• Cyclura pectinata – Wiegmann, 1834
• Cyclura pectinata – Duméril & Bibron, 1837
• Ctenosaura pectinata – Gray, 1845
• Ctenosaura brevirostris – Cope, 1886
• Ctenosaura teres brachylopha – Cope, 1886
• Ctenosaura brachylopha – Bailey, 1928
• Ctenosaura parkeri – Bailex, 1928
• Ctenosaura pectinata – Smith & Taylor, 1950
• Ctenosaura pectinata – Conant & Collins, 1991
• Ctenosaura pectinata – Liner, 1994
• Ctenosaura (Ctenosaura) pectinata – Köhler et to the., 2000
• Ctenosaura (Ctenosaura) pectinata – Köhler, 2003

The Western spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) It is one of the largest members of the Spinytail iguanas (Ctenosaura) and can reach a body length of about 140,0 centimeters, the female being smaller than the male, reaching a body length of about 100,0 centimeters. The head has an elongated and flat shape. The eyes are in a fairly large socket and are covered by an upper and lower lid with small granular scales.. From the upper edge of the eye, a series of larger scutes extend to the snout, forming a border that abruptly separates the lateral surface of the head from the superior. The nostril lies above the anterior end of this crest. The supraorbital scutes are separated from this border by smaller ones and are also surrounded above by a row of smaller scutes.. Between the supraorbital scutes extends a row of large arched scutes on each side. Both rows touch between the eyes, but they diverge anteriorly and posteriorly so that they are separated in front and behind the eyes by several smaller scutes. The scutes of these rows have a longitudinal keel. the front shields, that cover the snout, they are usually adorned with three keels each, that usually always take the longitudinal direction of the animal in the upper part. The nape shields are smooth and surround a large central nuchal shield.. Most of the nine superior labial shields have a longitudinal groove and, therefore, they seem to be double keeled. The lower labial shields have a similar groove.

These are followed, down, four rows of smaller, elongated scutes on each side, and the space between them, below, it is covered by even smaller and equally smooth scutes. The scales on the back are made up of very small, flat scales.. The scales of the abdomen are rhombic., much larger than those on back and each with a longitudinal keel. A sharp skin fold runs down the back of the thigh. The scales on the underside of the lower leg are keeled and larger than the rounded, keeled scales on the upper leg.. Tail scales are about the size of the upper and lower ventral scales, hexagonal and keeled. The male has a dorsal crest that continues to the tail.. A powerful double chin is also clearly seen in the head area, although it can not be inflated. Seems like it's just for show. Juveniles are predominantly gray-green in color. This coloration serves as camouflage and makes them not so easy for natural enemies to find.. Coloration of adults varies from brown, grey-brown and grey-black. The back usually has dark bands. But, black drawings may also appear on a gray-brown background coloration.

It is a species of diurnal habits that lives in humid environments of the Pacific coasts, in the middle deciduous forest, low deciduous and in thorny scrub. The Western spiny-tailed iguana usually found in ravines near streams, their favorite places are rocky places on dry land; also climbs trees and many individuals live in branches and hollow trunks. It is also mentioned that it lives in rocky places in the low jungle and on the coast., although it also usually lives in tropical oak forests and pastures.

The registered localities where this species is distributed are close to tourist places, so federal roads and highways have been built, as well as roads for access to forest support; this has contributed to habitat fragmentation through deforestation, In addition, there is a high population explosion, livestock and forestry development, inappropriate use of resources and degradation of natural habitats due to urbanization.

Takes refuge between rocks when someone approaches, in the treetops, between hollow logs, and tree hollows .

It is a species that lives in the humid environments of the Pacific coast, in an average deciduous forest that presents an open canopy, where most of the trees lose their leaves and the maximum height they reach is less than 20m. in low deciduous jungle, What is a plant community? 4 at 15m height where more than 75% of the species lose their leaves during the dry season; and in thorny scrub where they present a physiognomy composed of ramifications (very broken and elongated) covered with spines, the dominant species are: ocotillo, huizache and mesquite.

The Western spiny-tailed iguana is generally considered aggressive and belligerent. This is especially manifested in the colonies, where the males fiercely defend their small territories. In doing so, they swipe with their tails or even bite. Although they live mainly on land, they are also excellent climbers. It prefers a rocky habitat with many crevices where it can hide.. It also, the Western Mexican Black Iguana is diurnal and can move quite quickly, thus escaping from their natural enemies.

If you feel cornered, can also defend. If one male gets too close to another and his territory, it often comes to a fierce fight. aggressiveness is expressed, in particular, with vigorous head bobbing and tail slapping. The reason for territorial defense is clear. The more exposed the location of the territory, the greater the chances of mating with a female. The best places are claimed by the adult males.

The Western spiny-tailed iguana it is basically omnivorous. Especially when he's young, eat mostly animal-based foods, besides the vegetables. This includes insects, crustaceans, birds, their young and eggs, amphibians and small rodents. Plant foods especially include legumes, ripe fruits and various vegetables. Cannibalism is not unknown to the Western spiny-tailed iguana. Adult animals do not even stop at smaller conspecifics. But, the Western spiny-tailed iguana adults feed mainly on plants.

The Western spiny-tailed iguana reaches sexual maturity at three to four years of age. Mating takes place in spring. during mating, the hemipenis of the male becomes visible, that hides protectively in a skin fold of the cloaca outside of mating season. During mating itself, the hemipenis is pushed out of the skinfold by muscle contraction and fills with blood until it swells. Now the sperm are released into the female's cloaca through the hemipenis. After successful fertilization, the female looks for a protected place shortly before the end of gestation and begins to dig a hole. puts up 50 eggs in this pit. After laying the eggs, the pit is carefully closed. The female stays near the clutch for some time., protecting her from natural enemies and other females. After between 90 and 120 days, young lizards hatch from their eggs. The young in a clutch are usually all born in one week.. They are alone from the start, since the females do not take care of their young. If they survive the early years, can reach a considerable age. Due to the numerous natural enemies, only a part of the born animals get it.

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

This species is classified as «Least concern» by the IUCN Red List , but the species is included in the Mexican Red List NOM-059-2001 as threatened and is currently illegal to hunt in Mexico.

The main threats to Western spiny-tailed iguana are habitat destruction, hunting for meat and skin, domestic and international illegal pet market, hybridism by introduction of similar species, removal by invasive species (for ex. cats), elimination by confusion as a poisonous species and drastic habitat changes in small-range species.

The dry forests where small species live consistently suffer changes in land use due to livestock, that eliminates tree species that represent the only habitat available to them.

Every effort should be made to acquire captive-bred animals, since they are usually more resistant and less skittish, and your purchase helps reduce pressure on wild populations.

There are introduced populations of the Black iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and of the Western spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) in Florida, and many of these two species are sold in the pet trade.

The requirements of the terrarium for the Western spiny-tailed iguana vary depending on the size of the iguana you have. Below are recommended minimum enclosure sizes for a single Western spiny-tailed iguana or a couple:

Western spiny-tailed iguana smaller that measures less than 45 full length cm: 90 cm long, 60 cm wide and 60 centimeters tall.
larger species, 180 cm long by 60 cm wide and 80 centimeters tall.

The Western spiny-tailed iguana he is a sun-loving saurian. Outdoor enclosures are ideal for them. Indoor enclosures must have full-spectrum lamps along two-thirds or the entire length of the enclosure, plus a sun light bulb (the two, depending on cage size) at one end. To get the most benefit from full spectrum lights, sun shelves or other places should be located no more than 25 cm from the(s) lightbulb(s).
The ambient temperature in the enclosure should be between 25 °C y 30 °C and the sunny areas must reach between 35 °C y 40 °C.

You can use the cypress substrate. Rabbit pellets can also be used, but you don't have to nebulize them. Provide plenty of branches and/or cork boards for your Western spiny-tailed iguana can climb. There should also be several hiding places, as cork bark holes of suitable size. It is good to include live edible plants, like hibiscus, whose flowers and leaves are edible. Buy the plants at least 30 days before you are going to use them, since many systemic pesticides and fertilizers can remain active in plants and soil for at least 30 days.

Food at Western spiny-tailed iguana adult with a wide range of foods, like mixed greens, grated carrots, mulberry and hibiscus leaves, and edible wild plants such as purslane, the Clover, the dandelions, vegetables and flowers. Seasonal fruits and vegetables may also be offered. Give the hatchlings and juveniles of Western spiny-tailed iguana the same diet as adults, except that you can also provide them with some insects, mostly crickets half the size of the young lizards' heads. They can also be offered to Zoophobas, tomato hornworms and silkworms. Calcium and vitamin supplements should be given two or three times a week (pregnant females should receive calcium supplements daily). There are also dry commercial diets for iguanas.

The preferred method of irrigation is water misting, especially for the pups Western spiny-tailed iguana, since they will drink the drops of the plants. You can also have a water dish inside the enclosure; make sure it's heavy enough so it doesn't tip over. Misting in the water dish can help draw your Iguana's attention to it. Do not vaporize if you use rabbit pellets as a substrate.

A good way to build trust and calm the new Western spiny-tailed iguana is to feed it by hand. Once they are comfortable with your presence and take the food from your fingers, you can start taking them. when picking up one Western spiny-tailed iguana, it is best to approach slowly and place your hand palm up in front of the lizard. Try putting your other hand behind the iguana and gently bring it closer to your hand. Never hold the animal by the tail, because it can break. Each Western spiny-tailed iguana is different. Some are so tame and curious that they seem to enjoy human interaction.. Others are a bit elusive and require a little more patience when interacting.. Any Western spiny-tailed iguana one that doesn't like being handled will still make a good show animal.

It is very difficult to find one "Western spiny-tailed iguana" bred in captivity. if you find it, they can ask up to 3000 euros for an individual of this species. Make sure you have all the papers in order and that you have passed all the health checks.

1. Western spiny-tailed iguana, Mexican spinytailed iguana, Spiny-tailed iguana, Black spiny-tailed iguana, Guerreran spiny-tailed Iguana, Broad-ringed spiny-tailed iguana (English).
2. Iguane à queue épineuse du Mexique (French).
3. Westmexikanische Schwarzleguan, Mexikanischer Leguan (German).
4. Iguana-de-Cauda-Espinhosa-Mexicana (Portuguese).
5. "Iguana negra" (español).

The Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) It inhabits the deserts of the western United States and Mexico and in 30 known islands of the Gulf of Mexico. In particular, the Mojave and Sonoran deserts are known to have thriving populations of chuckwallas. They can be found as far west as southeastern California and Nevada, and are abundant in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and parts of Colorado.

The Common chuckwalla it is a stocky lizard with loose folds of skin near the neck, shoulders and stomach. The skin is covered with hard scales, and the largest are between the nose and the eyes. They have five fingers on each end and the tail is rounded at the tip.. Head color can range from dark brown and gray to dark yellow. Color variation depends on geographic location, the temperature, environment and mood. The tail is thicker near the body and tapers towards the tip.. Males are slightly larger than females and, in some cases, have different scale patterns and head shapes. Females may have a slightly narrower snout and head.. There is also variation in color, juveniles and females have lighter markings than males. The average weight is 245 g. (range of 24 to 315 g.), although males are usually heavier than females. The average length of the head is 35,5 mm and its greatest width is 33,2 mm. The mean length of the snout is 162 mm (range of 80 to 197 mm) and the tail length is 182 mm. Almost half of the length corresponds to the tail.

The Common chuckwalla found in deserts, where the air is warm and dry (of 9 to 45 degrees Celsius). They are found in deserts with rocks and crevices to hide in., as areas of ancient lava flows, rocky slopes and outcrops. They use burrows and underground cracks to hibernate in winter.. They inhabit insular and coastal environments. These lizards require a moderate amount of vegetation and foliage in the habitat in order to sustain themselves.. The Common chuckwalla can be found between sea level and 1400 m above sea level.

The Common chuckwalla it is mainly solitary and diurnal. They leave rock shelters during the day to eat foliage, but they usually stay close to their shelters. They are active from mid-March to mid-August, but they can aestivate in the summer months when food is scarce. From November to March they can go through brumation (similar to hibernation, but observed in ectotherms). They are active for a 8 hours a day, usually between 06:30 and 19:00. The activity of the Common chuckwalla is greater among 9:15 and 11:30. To avoid overheating, they move in and out of the shade and adopt different orientations towards the sun. Most of their time is spent basking on rocks when they are not foraging for food.. They take refuge in cracks and shallow holes during the hottest part of the day and use these cracks to avoid predators.. Males are territorial and fight over territory and females. The females are not hostile to each other, but the hierarchies of males and females are based on the size.

After a gestation period of one month, females lay eggs in an underground nest. Once the Common chuckwalla come out of the egg, begin to grow at a rate of about 17 mm per year. The Common chuckwalla abandons its young after hatching and the young are independent at that time. They reach sexual maturity around 2 or 3 years. Reaching adult size takes a few 25 years, after which they continue to grow but at a significantly slower rate, of about 5,5 mm per year. Growth rate is related to food abundance. The Common chuckwalla grows more in spring and summer, when the temperature is high and food is plentiful. La muda, or detachment of the epidermis, also occurs in spring, when the growth rate is high.

the courtship of the Common chuckwalla is that males attract females by their size or persistence. Males usually have several females living in their territory and mate with them.. The males of the Common chuckwalla use head movement, the licks, the circles, the pushes, jaw rubs and other methods to persuade females to mate. Females allow copulation if they determine the male is desired., males can prevail if they are big and forceful. During copulation, males use their mandibles to grasp females by the loose skin on the nape of the neck. Mating usually takes place in early spring, after hibernation. Both sexes have multiple partners year after year. Males compete for females by biting and head-butting..

The Common chuckwalla breeds between April and August, when food is more abundant. When females are receptive, your ovaries enlarge. Males produce sperm each year., while females produce eggs every two years, average. Males reach sexual maturity when they reach 125 mm length at snout, that is to say, to the 2 years of age. Females reach sexual maturity at the same length, but they may take 2 to 3 years to reach it. The average clutch size per breeding season varies from 5 to 16 eggs and the annual reproductive frequency of each female varies greatly from year to year depending on food availability and rainfall. Some females produce two separate clutches., others produce none. The females incubate the eggs until they hatch.. The incubation period lasts about 35 days (range of 33 to 50 days). The hatching mass range of eggs is 6,0 to 9,6 g.. Larger females produce clutches more often than smaller females.. But, smaller females may breed in consecutive years.

Females prepare an underground nest in an area with dry soil that is unlikely to be disturbed.. The females protect their eggs from predators and other threats while they incubate them.. But, after hatching, females no longer care for their young. Males do not provide parental care.

The Common chuckwalla It is herbivorous and feeds on perennial and annual plants.. Their diet is usually high in fiber and low in fat and protein. Annual plants make up the 60% your diet in the summer months, while the perennials suppose the 40%. When annual plants die in winter, perennials become their main food source. They have been observed feeding on the leaves and fruit of creosote bushes in the summer months. (Pasture tridentate), as well as some insects that reside in the vegetation they eat. The (Oenothera clavaeformis) and the desert ambrosia (Franseria dumosa) are the main plants in the diet of the Common chuckwalla. In captivity they feed on various vegetables, fruits and flowers. They obtain water from the plants they eat and produce it metabolically.

The Common chuckwalla usually live 10 years or more, if the right conditions are met, limited predation and adequate food availability. The half-life in nature is estimated to be about 15 years. Although there is considerable variability from year to year, Survival in the first year is estimated to be 38%. The mortality of the eggs is the one that most affects the survival of animals less than one year old. Those who survive beyond one year experience a median survival of 75% annual. The Common chuckwalla oldest known in nature had 30 years. The Common chuckwalla oldest in captivity lived to be 65 years.

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The populations of Common chuckwalla are protected by national parks and, course, for its remote habitat (rugged terrain and harsh climate). Trends toward development in desert areas of the United States and parts of Mexico are affecting the habitat of the Common chuckwalla; However, the status of the population as a whole has been reported as large and stable.

The commercial sales of Common chuckwalla have not shown any major impact on the species as a whole, but some subspecies are locally threatened by overharvesting and habitat degradation. The South Mountain Subpopulation, near phoenix (Arizona), is in the spotlight because it has a unique color pattern that is desirable for the pet trade. The Colorado River Dam has greatly reduced the populations of Common chuckwalla in the Glen Canyon area, in Utah, and goat herding activities, sheep and donkeys have shown a small negative impact. In general, the IUCN classifies the Common chuckwalla like "Least concern» due to the wide distribution of the population and the absence of immediate threats. Although the total size of the population is not known, it is estimated that the total size of the adult population could be 100.000 or more.

The necessary size of the terrarium for a "Common chuckwalla" is of 120 cm long x 100 cm wide x 60 cm high or 120 cm long x 60 cm wide x 100 centimeters tall, respectively. The terrarium consists of a combination of wood and glass. Inside the terrarium there may be a self-made rear wall with many protrusions and indentations. The Common chuckwalla use almost exclusively the back wall and rarely stay on the ground. There may be a large ventilation area at the front under sliding glass over the entire length of the terrarium. in addition, about half of the lid consists of a ventilation zone to ensure the necessary ventilation.

The terrarium substrate consists of a mixture of Lucky Reptile Desert Bedding and shell sand. To some Common chuckwalla they like to eat the small pieces of crushed rock from the shell. There can also be multiple roots, cork tubes, stones and branches in the terrarium. Live plants are eaten immediately, so you should no longer use real plants for decoration. Stones and heavy objects must be firmly anchored, since the animals like to undermine everything and then there is danger of collapse.

Light is a crucial factor in keeping and rearing these lizards.. The terrarium can be illuminated with two T9 fluorescent tubes of 38W each.. Two Solar Raptors 70W serve as heat and UV source. It also, every hour a SolarGlo 150W from Exoterra.
The temperature in the terrarium ranges between 26°C and 30°C. Temperatures of up to 42°C are reached under the radiators. The humidity is around 40% during the day and go up to the 60% At night.

The Common chuckwalla Adult feeds almost exclusively on plants.. Juveniles occasionally hunt grasshoppers, crickets and worms. It is important to feed the animals with a varied diet so that there is no imbalance in the mineral balance. Vegetable food is given daily. During the week, they can have a fast day. What must never be forgotten is to regularly supplement the diet with a vitamin preparation.

You can give them grated carrot, all kinds of lettuce, dandelion and its flowers, Cucumber, cooked rice, zucchini, Peppers, strawberries, raspberries, grated apple and rarely banana. Caution. Please, don't feed them cabbage, as this causes life-threatening flatulence. as with all animals, you have to try what and how much they like to eat. In principle, you can't overfeed them with vegetables, so you always have to have something available.

A great gift is assorted sprouts that you can grow yourself on the windowsill. As such, I spread the lentils, wheat and millet in a container with moist soil and water them daily. after only three days, you can see the first spikes growing out of the ground. After a week and a half or two, the chuckwallas get the bowl with the fresh green.

There is also always a bowl with various grains, like red and brown lentils, special dry food for herbivores, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
Of course, a bowl of water should not be missing either.

Hibernation is an important part of the life of the Common chuckwalla all the years.

At the end of October / beginning of November, animals become increasingly lethargic and reduce their food intake.

Light duration is reduced from 12-14 to 5 hours a day for weeks while minimizing feeding.

During this time, just offer more water.

for the final hibernation, the animals are moved to a terrarium, similar to turtles.

The optimum temperature is between 12 – 10 degrees.

They wake up slowly in mid to early March.

The hibernation of Common chuckwalla it is a somewhat difficult matter, since the animals should not wake up too early.

This means that the process of lowering lighting and temperature, as well as upload it, must be done very slowly.

The "Common chuckwalla" not an easy reptile to find. Its price in the exotic animal market ranges from 200 – 300 EUR. It is important that your acquisition comes from animals bred in captivity to preserve their status in the natural environment.

1. Common chuckwalla (English).
2. Chuckwalla (French).
3. Chuckwalla (German).
4. Chuckwalla comum (Portuguese).
5. "Chacahuala del Noroeste" (español).