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Ctenosaura pectinata
Mexican Spinytail Iguanas have distinctive keeled scales on their long tails, which gives them their common name. They are one of the larger members of the genus Ctenosaura, capable of growing to 140 cm (4.6 feet) in length, with females being slightly smaller than males at 100 cm, and are typically brown or grey-brown in coloration with a yellowish ventral surface.They have a crest of long spines which extend down the center of their back.Hatchlings are often a bright green color with no pattern and darken as they age.
These species inhabit lowland (below 1200m elevation) dry forests on both coasts of Mexico and Central America
The Mexican Spinytail Iguana is native to Western Mexico from Sinaloa to Oaxaca. Ctenosaura pectinata is used as a traditional food source in its native Mexico. Although not listed on the IUCN Redlist, the species is listed on the Mexican Red List NOM-059-2001 as threatened and it is currently illegal to hunt them in Mexico This protection does not apply to areas in North America where they have been introduced, however.
I 'm not sure how to distinguish one species from another.
Thank you for the ID, ForestDragon.
I find all species of iguana fascinating! This guy is especially cool. Thanks.
Thank you very much, ForestDragon. I agree.. they are just awesome creatures.