The Iguanas 



black; the crest of spines and the ringed, thiorny tail, as polished 

 as ivory. 



Occasional specimens are blotched with brown. Young 

 individuals are often bright green. 



Dimensions. — Like the preceding. (See measurements.) 



Distribution. — Extreme southern Arizona, to Central Amer- 

 ica. 



Habits. — If cornered, a large. Spiny-tailed Iguana is a really 

 dangerous creature. The brute's offensive powers are quite in 

 keeping with its looks. Sombre in colouration, powerful of 

 body, the head thick-set with swollen jowls, the eyes dark and 

 keen with blood-red corners and, to add to the general fighting 

 aspect, the formidable tail ; this appendage bristles with coarse 

 spines. 



If the creature has a chance to escape, it always flees from 

 man. It may be surprised while basking in the open, when 

 it rushes for cover; most frequently it is seen stretched upon 

 a fallen tree, or on a low branch, and then the escape is precip- 

 itous — utterly without dignity; the reptile actually hurls itself 

 to the ground and tears through the undergrowth with a crash- 

 ing that might be produced by a frightened cow. 



If the lizard is cornered, it flashes into a state of viciousness 

 that might stand off a well-trained dog. The tail is lashed 

 from side to side and the powerful jaws are open and ready to 

 seize the enemy in a bulldog grip. 



As captives, these lizards require a great amount of sunshine 

 and very large cages. They are omnivorous feeders and are fond 

 of tender vegetables, such as lettuce and celery tops; they will 

 also eat various fruits, but among these prefer bananas. Most 

 specimens feed voraciously upon young birds and small rodents, 

 and are surprisingly agile in catching the prey. It is shaken 

 to death, then quickly swallowed entire. In a wild state, the 

 Iguanas are undoubtedly carnivorous to a great extent. 



In Mexico, Central America and South America, Iguanas 

 are brought to the market in large numbers. They are regarded 

 as an excellent food and alleged to taste like chicken. 



The Genus Dipsosaunis: One species — probably a de- 

 generate iguana — forms this genus. It is a desert reptile, oc- 

 curring in the southwestern portion of the United States and 

 in Mexico. In structural characters it seems to be closely allied 



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