More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Lizards of Zihuatanejo
SUBORDER SAURIA
-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)
-Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)
-Iguanas and Chuckwallas (Family Iguanidae)
-Spiny-tailed Iguanas (Genus Ctenosaura)
-Western Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
The Western Spiny-tailed Iguana is a species of large lizard native to the arid and desert regions of Western MexicoThey typically have dark gray to brown bodies with yellow or white markings, and their tails are covered in spiny scales. They live in rocky, dry habitats and are omnivorous, eating a variety of fruits, insects, and small reptiles. Juveniles are bright green in colour and darken as the age.
Western Spiny-tailed Iguana - Juvenile
Ctenosaura pectinata
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and young shoots.
Also consumes insects, spiders, crabs, bird eggs, small lizards, rodents, and carrion, particularly when young.
Juveniles are more insectivorous, while adults become increasingly herbivorous.
Range
Endemic to western Mexico, occurring along the Pacific slope from southern Sinaloa through Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and into western Oaxaca.
Common throughout the Zihuatanejo region, where it is one of the largest and most conspicuous reptiles.
Habitat
Inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, rocky hillsides, coastal cliffs, mangrove edges, secondary forest, and agricultural areas.
Prefers rocky terrain with abundant crevices, fallen logs, and large trees for shelter.
Frequently seen basking on rocks, stone walls, fence posts, and tree branches during the day.
Occurs from sea level to about 1,800 m (5,900 ft).
Size
Total length: 90–140 cm (35–55 in), including the tail.
Snout-to-vent length (SVL): 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
Weight: 1.5–4 kg (3.3–8.8 lb), with large males occasionally exceeding 5 kg (11 lb).