Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am researching Ctenosaura hemilopha conspicuosa. From reading through this forum I found that some of you guys have worked with this species. However, while researching this species I am not finding much information regarding natural history, husbandry, etc. So instead of emailing people directly, I decided to create this post and hopefully some more information can be put online for others who are interested in learning more about this species.

Basically, I am interested in all things C. t. conspicuosa. While traveling in and around Central America I have seen tons of Ctenosaura (most, if not all, similis), but never thought one would end up in my hands at home. Currently I have a juvenile male C. h. conspicuosa that has been given to me by a friend who needed to move out of the state and I am unfamiliar with Ctenosaura husbandry. I understand this an uncommon species kept in captivity and I would like to set him up in the best way possible. I was curious if anyone has resources regarding their natural history, species accounts on the Island of San Esteban, or anything of interest regarding this cool lizard.

I attached a photo of him for your reference. Also, in the photo there is some red coloration near the front of his mouth. While trimming his nails I was giving him strawberry. I am unsure if positive reinforcement works with lizards, but feel it is worth a shot.

Any information regarding this species would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Cheers,
Michael

-----
"El Respeto al Derecho Ajeno es la Paz" - Benito Juarez, 15 de julio de 1867

Hi
There are several of us here in Arizona that breed conspicuosa.Most of us have large outdoor cages that house a single pair or trio.They can be over wintered here without any heated hide boxes. But most of us do heat the box to keep temps above freezing. I have been lucky and my female has laid in the cage and the eggs have hatched in the cage. Two years ago 26 hatched and last year 18 hatchlings.
The males are territorial as adults . I was able to keep the males together untill they were two years old but shortly I had to seperate them to keep them from killing each other.
They are a very active and inquisitive iguana. They will eat a wide range of foods.I feed my adults spring-mix greens, frozen mix vegatables. tomatoes,strawberries,bananas,blue berries, raspberries.grapes soaked zupreem monkey chow and soaked Muzuri tortoise diet.
They love crickets,grasshoppers ,superworms and once in a great while I will feed the males a hopper mouse.
There cages are also planted with Alflafa and clover,hisbicus and flowering bushes. They will feed on the plants in the cages during the summer months.
Currently I am raising 2nd generation hatchlings to adults.I really like them.They are very hardy and are well suited for the Arizona climate.
I have never been to San Estaban Island but I believe it is similar to the habitat around San Carlos Mexico where Cteno macrolopha is very common in the town and surrounding desert. The macrolopha species actually does very well around Human habitat. In the next few weeks a new book will be out about Iguana species. The author is Jerry Fife. Be looking for it it should help you out.
Bob

Hello Bob,

Thank you for the great information. I envy you guys in AZ that can keep your herps outside year round. Your setups sound great. Curious, what is the length of your adults? Also, in relation to plant matter and processed foods (monkey chow, tortoise diet, etc) what percentage do you give your adults?

I want to look into acquiring a female in the future, do you or does anyone else produce this species on a regular basis?

According to Jerry's website, his book is out. I will be sure to pick it up soon.

Thank you again.

Cheers,
Michael

-----
"El Respeto al Derecho Ajeno es la Paz" - Benito Juarez, 15 de julio de 1867