Desert Iguana
Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Grows 10-16 inches
Lives 8-10 years but have been known to live up to 17 years
Very fast runner
Lay 2-8 eggs that hatch after a 70 day incubation
Herbivore only young lizard eat insects
Adults should have a varied diet of leafy greens such as collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, nasturtiums, dandelion greens, escarole, rocket, hibiscus, watercress, land-cress, fresh alfalfa, and carrot tops
May be given small amounts of fruit such as apple, kiwi, peaches, banana, plum, grapes, and oranges
Can be hand tamed but must be handled daily to maintain the disposition
These lizards can stand hotter temperatures than most, remaining active in up to 115º F
The breeding season begins in spring and continues through midsummer. Peak breeding intervals occur in May and June.
Aggressive behavior in males includes push-ups
They carry their bodies high off the ground when running or walking and are capable of running very fast (occasionally bipedally)
