A new blog species for the New Year – a Spiny Tailed or Black Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) photographed sunning itself on the West coast of Mexico early last year. These iguana can grow up to just over a metre in length and their scale-like tails bulk out as they mature with a spiny crest. They will also feature black bands and a variety of black shading on the neck and shoulders area as they reach adulthood. Unlike the much larger and more docile green iguana, these iguana are spooked very easily and are difficult to photograph as they will take off with the slightest movement. They can be quite aggressive, especially young and juveniles who will fight with each other for food. Mature spiny tails are vegetarian, but immatures will eat insects, eggs, small rodents, dead fish and crabs etc. If you’re out exploring Mexico’s coastal rocks and ocean crevices, these iguana can often be spotted sunning themselves here, but will bolt for cover if they see you or sense your approach – an evasive tactic learned to avoid predators such as hawks or snakes.
