Family: Iguanidae, Iguanas view all from this family

Description 10-16" (25.4-40.6 cm). Large round-bodied lizard with long tail and low crest of slightly enlarged keeled scales down back. Head relatively small; snout short. Brown around head, giving way to reddish-brown netlike pattern and gray or white spotting on neck and trunk. Reticulations may break into dark lengthwise lines on sides. Tail gray or white with encircling rows of dark spots. Breeding adults show pink on sides of belly.

Subspecies Three; 1 in our range: Northern (D. d. dorsalis).

Breeding Mates April to May. Clutch of 3-8 eggs is laid June to August. Hatchlings appear August to September.

Habitat Arid and semiarid regions of sand, scattered rocks, and creosote bush.

Range S. California, Nevada, and w. Arizona south into Mexico.

Discussion Diurnal. These are wary lizards that flee to the nearest rodent burrow or bush at the slightest hint of danger. They are tolerant of high temperatures and are active even at 115 degrees F. (46 degrees C). When surface temperatures do get too hot for them, Desert Iguanas climb into bushes to reach cooler air layers. Food consists primarily of vegetable matter; insects and carrion are also eaten.