Desert Iguana

The Desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) is one of the most common lizards of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They also occur on several Gulf of California islands. The Desert iguana is a blunt medium-sized lizard. Including the tail, these blunt-headed lizards typically grow to 16" (40 cm). They are pale gray-tan to cream in color with a light brown reticulated pattern on their backs and sides. Down the center of the back is a row of slightly-enlarged, keeled dorsal scales that become slightly larger as you move down the back. The reticulated pattern gives way to brown spots near the back legs, turning into stripes along the tail. The tail is usually around 1 1/2 times longer than the body from snout to vent. The belly is pale. During the breeding season, the sides become pinkish in both sexes.
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Noun
1. small long-tailed lizard of arid areas of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
(synonym) Dipsosaurus dorsalis
(hypernym) iguanid, iguanid lizard
(member-holonym) Dipsosaurus, genus Dipsosaurus

Dipsosaurus dorsalis

General Info:
Length up to 14".
Desert iguanas are active terrarium inhabitants. Some desert iguanas have been known to accept small amounts of vitamin/calcium dusted insects (such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms) as part of their regular diet. With patience, these active lizards learn to accept handling.
Temperature/Humidity:
Ideal daytime temperature for desert iguanas should range between 85 and 95 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 100-110 degrees. Night time temperature should remain between 65 and 75 degrees. The humidity for these lizards should be kept at or near 35 percent.
Lighting:
All iguanas require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. The use of a timer will assist in maintaining an accurate schedule of light periods.
Feeding/Watering:
Desert iguanas are mainly vegetarian (eat mainly plant matter). Therefore their diet should include vegetables, fruit, and prepared foods (such as pelleted iguana food). Suggested foods: dark, leafy greens (mustard, collard, radish, and turnip greens or tops, kale, cabbage, dandelion leaves-stems-flowers, non-treated backyard grasses, clover), legumes, roses, hibiscus, cured alfalfa and timothy hay, soaked alfalfa pellets, thawed frozen mixed vegetables (peas, lima beans, carrots, green beans), peas in the pod, soy bean sprouts, radishes, summer and winter squashes, grapes, apples, oranges, pear, peaches, plums, nectarines, dates, all types of melons, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, and tomatoes. Some high protein content foods suggested are: dry maintenance dog food, tofu, and scrambled or hard-boiled eggs. When feeding fruits & vegetables, use four vegetables to every fruit per meal. It may be best to only offer fruits in every third or fourth feeding. Red fruits are great for shy eaters as reptiles are naturally attracted to the color red. Feeding every other day is suggested as well as dusting food with vitamin/calcium powder every other feeding. Insects (such as crickets) can be offered once a week as a supplement. Misting the enclosure regularly should allow for enough water intake. Adults should be fed 3-4 times per week; some juveniles can be fed twice daily during their growing period.
Habitat/Housing:
Successful permanent maintenance requires a 30-50 gallon terrarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. The enclosure must include a high basking area, hiding space (preferably made of rocks), and a "cool" area to allow for thermoregulation. Habitat design should mimic their natural desert habitat. Unless breeding is desired, these lizards are best kept singularly.
Substrate (Bedding):
Repti-Sand is an ideal substrate for desert iguana terrariums.