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American Chameleon — Part 3
The Spiny-tailed Iguanas--Genus Ctenosaura: Two species of this genus are the only Iguanas occurring in North America proper. The genus may be popularly defined by the structure of the tail. The appendage is covered with rings or whorls of large, spiny scales. As may be appreciated, such a scalation is really formidable and the tail is employed as an offensive weapon, in dealing quick, lashing blows. The feet are provided with long toes and strong claws and these lizards are very agile climbers, in fact, partially arboreal in habits.
Ctenosaura is composed of six species.
Key to the North American Iguanas
I. A row of upright spines on the back; tail with rings of large spines. Genus Ctenosaura.
Size large--three to four feet.
a. Crest extending a little more than two-thirds the length of the back.