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Animal Profile

Desert Iguana

Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis

Reptiles Desert
Desert Iguana

About Desert Iguana

Desert iguanas have darker gray to beige backs with lighter markings. The markings are usually spotted on the back but develop into darker rings around the tail. They have long tails and short snouts. They spend much of their time basking on the rocks but are very fast runners and will seek refuge in a burrow if threatened.

Habitat

Desert iguanas are typically found in areas where creosote occurs. Their range is the desert areas of southern California, southern Nevada, and Western Arizona and through parts of Baja California and Mexico.

Fun Fact

Desert iguanas are able to tolerate higher temperatures than any other North American reptile! These lizards are diurnal which means they are active during the daytime. September. Captive Desert Iguanas will live more than 15 years.