Northeastern Spiny-tailed Iguana
Ctenosaura acanthura
Conservation Status
Least ConcernReptilia · Iguanidae
About
Ctenosaura acanthura, is a species of iguanid lizard found in eastern Mexico and extreme western Guatemala. The standardized English name is the Mexican spiny-tailed iguana. Confusingly however, an earlier edition of standardized names for Mexican herpetofauna called Ctenosaura acanthura the northeastern spinytailed iguana and applied the name Mexican spinytailed iguana to Ctenosaura pectinata, which was called the western spiny-tailed iguana in the second edition. It has also been referred to as the Veracruz spiny-tailed iguana and Gulf Coast spiny-tailed iguana. It is an egg laying species that is mostly herbivorous and a moderately large lizard commonly growing over one meter in total length.
Fun Fact
Within eight to ten weeks, the female will dig a nest and lay clutches of up to 24 eggs.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurs in the lowlands on the eastern versant of Mexico throughout the Veracruz moist forests ecoregion and western portions of the Petén–Veracruz moist forests, from sea level up to ca.
Diet
Eat smaller animals, eggs, and arthropods.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance