Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Mexican black spiny-tailed Iguana

Ctenosaura similis

Photo by JVM
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

25.7107, -80.1568

Field Notes

Description:

Juvenile. invasive species in South Florida

Habitat:

Crandon Park

Reference Links:

File:Ctenosaura similis (juvenile).jpg

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
elime
I'm still leaning more towards Green because of the way the tail looks and the coloration of the top of the head.
JVM
Hi, I've been back and forth on this iguana ID. I asked the folks at the Crandon Nature Center and they said that both species are found in the park and that juvenile Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are all green. Whereas the spiny-tailed (Ctenosaura similis) are not. Let me know what you think. Below is a link with some info. http://www.bio.miami.edu/pze/iguanas.html
elime
I agree. It looks more like a green iguana.
auntnance123
By the area and the predominance of iguanas in south Florida, more than likely it is a juvenile green iguana-the tail stripes are the giveaway.
alicelongmartin
That looks more like a young iguana to me than a green anole.
Photographed
PublishedAugust 7, 2011

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies