Classification: Introduced Species

Description: Black spiny-tailed iguana have distinctive black, keeled scales on their long tails, which gives them their common name. They, along with C. pectinata, are the largest members of the genus Ctenosaura. The males are capable of growing up to 4 ft 3 inches in length and the females are slightly shorter, at 2 ft 7 in to 3 ft 3 inches. They have a crest of long spines which extends down the center of the back. Although coloration varies extremely among individuals of the same population, adults usually have a whitish gray or tan ground color with a series of 4–12 well-defined dark dorsal bands that extend nearly to the ventral scales. Males also develop an orange color around the head and throat during breeding season with highlights of blue and peach on their jowls.

Habitat: This species is found in sunny, open locations within both dry and moist forest habitats. It also occurs in savanna, coastal lagoons and marshes, sandy beaches, agricultural land, disturbed open areas, pasture land, and can also be found near urban areas.

Range: The black spiny-tailed iguana has been introduced to South Florida and reproduces in the wild in several feral populations. On the southwestern Florida coast, it has been discovered from Collier County north to Tampa Bay. On the southeastern Florida coast, black spiny-tailed iguanas have been found on Key Biscayne, Hialeah, and in Broward County.

Found in these States: FL

Diet: They are primarily herbivorous, eating flowers, leaves, stems, and fruit, but they will opportunistically eat smaller animals (rodents, bats, frogs, small birds and smaller iguanas), eggs and arthropods. Juveniles tend to be insectivores, becoming more herbivorous as they get older. They are known to eat the fruit and live in the limbs of the manchineel, a tree highly poisonous to most other animals.

Reproduction: Mating generally occurs in the spring. Males show dominance and interest by head bobbing; eventually the male will chase the female until he can catch her and subdue her. Within eight to ten weeks, the female will dig a nest and lay clutches of up to 30 eggs. The eggs hatch in 90 days with the hatchlings digging their way out of the sand. These juveniles are typically green with brown markings, although all brown hatchlings have been recorded as well./p>

Status: This species remains widespread and currently has a stable population and is not affected by the threats that similar species face. Although harvesting for human consumption does occur to varying degrees throughout its range, it does not seem to be having a negative affect on the population size.

Taxonomy: