Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)

C. similis is the largest and most widely spread species of the genus Ctenosaura commonly known as Spinytail iguanas'. Adult males can reach up to 18 inches in length with an 18 inch tail.

Predominantly black, juveniles show patches of Olive green and tan. Colours may also lighten after basking in the sunlight with yellowish and orange markings becoming evident along the sides, as seen in this photo.

Its native range stretches from southern Mexico to Panama where it's exploited for food and traditional medicine.

It generally is found in seasonally dry, lowland habitats but can occur in sites up to 900 m elevation, often in ose proximity to human activity.

They generally live in colonies within which there's a strict hierarchical order under a single dominant male.

Its adaptability means it's considered a menace in parts of the southern states of the USA, particularly Florida where it was introduced in the 1970's. It consumes valuable horticultural plants, invades dwellings, and threatens imperilled native species through predation and usurpation of burrows.