black spiny-tailed iguana
(Ctenosaura similis)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Ctenosaura similis is native from southern Mexico to Central America. Black spiny-tailed iguana were introduced to the United States through intentionally released or escaped pets in the 1970s.
Life Cycle
Adult C. similis can reach lengths of 4 ft and are predominately black in color. C. similis are sexually dimorphic, males have a well-developed dorsal crest and small dewlaps. Young iguana are olive-green in color which fans to tan, then gray and black as they mature. C. similis become sexually mature 3-4 years of age. Females dig burrows approximately 1.6 ft (.5 m) in depth and lay 2-25 eggs in the nest. Nests are defended to prevent other iguanas from nesting in the same burrow, however, young C. similis receive no parental care. Black spiny-tailed iguana have a life span of more than 60 years.
Distribution
It has been found in central and southern Florida as well as up Florida’s east coast. There are established populations of C. similis in the Florida counties of Dade, Lee, and Charlotte.
Control Efforts
The importation of C. similis into the United States has been declining. However, their populations have been confirmed to be breeding and self-sustaining for more than 10 consecutive years. Trapping and removal of black spiny-tailed iguana may improve native wildlife populations.
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ctenosaura_similis/
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/reptiles/iguanas-and-relatives/black-spinytail-iguana/
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/14pubs/14-106%20avery.pdf
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/study-sheds-light-on-invasive-iguanas-big-appetite/
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/86558#tosummaryOfInvasiveness
Ctenosaura similis is native from southern Mexico to Central America. Black spiny-tailed iguana were introduced to the United States through intentionally released or escaped pets in the 1970s.
Life Cycle
Adult C. similis can reach lengths of 4 ft and are predominately black in color. C. similis are sexually dimorphic, males have a well-developed dorsal crest and small dewlaps. Young iguana are olive-green in color which fans to tan, then gray and black as they mature. C. similis become sexually mature 3-4 years of age. Females dig burrows approximately 1.6 ft (.5 m) in depth and lay 2-25 eggs in the nest. Nests are defended to prevent other iguanas from nesting in the same burrow, however, young C. similis receive no parental care. Black spiny-tailed iguana have a life span of more than 60 years.
Distribution
It has been found in central and southern Florida as well as up Florida’s east coast. There are established populations of C. similis in the Florida counties of Dade, Lee, and Charlotte.
Control Efforts
The importation of C. similis into the United States has been declining. However, their populations have been confirmed to be breeding and self-sustaining for more than 10 consecutive years. Trapping and removal of black spiny-tailed iguana may improve native wildlife populations.
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ctenosaura_similis/
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/reptiles/iguanas-and-relatives/black-spinytail-iguana/
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/14pubs/14-106%20avery.pdf
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/study-sheds-light-on-invasive-iguanas-big-appetite/
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/86558#tosummaryOfInvasiveness
Resources
- Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
- Ctenosaura similis - wildherps.com
- Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
- Ctenosaura - West Coast Iguana Research
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Family: Iguanidae |
| Genus: Ctenosaura |
| Ctenosaura similis |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.