Ctenosaura macrolopha Smith, 1972

Nomenclature

Scientific name: Ctenosaura macrolopha Smith, 1972, commonly known as the Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana.

Adult Coloration

Adult Sonoran spiny-tailed iguanas typically have grey and black scales with striped and banded patterning, particularly along the tail.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles of this species have bright green scales.

Size Range

Adults can range in size from 12.5 cm (4.9 in) to well over 1 m (39 in).

General Distribution

Sonoran spiny-tailed iguanas are endemic to the Sonoran Desert of southwestern North America.

Native Range in Mexico

They are native primarily to the Mexican states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and parts of Chihuahua.

Hybrid Population

A large population of Ctenosaura macrolopha x conspicuosa hybrids lives on the grounds of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona.