Desert Iguana
Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Observed at Painted Rock w. Gila Bend, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. October 2009. Image © Pete Moulton. Notice the short, blunt head and the speckled pattern of rusty brown on pale ground color.
Iguanidae -- Iguana Lizard Family
This large, but wary, lizard inhabits hot sandy desert areas from southwestern Arizona, the southern tip of Nevada, and into California and Mexico. The full adult length, not including the tail is almost 15 cm. Getting a good photo like the one at left requires stealth and patience - and heat tolerance. These iguanas remain active through much of the hottest part of the day and can run with astonishing speed seeking refuge beneath a shrub or into a burrow. Food is primarily vegetarian items such flowers and foliage. Insects and other foods may also be eaten especially by the young,