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Galapagos Land Iguana - Conolophus subcristatus

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Galapagos Land Iguana - Conolophus subcristatus.

Galapagos Land Iguana - Conolophus subcristatus.

Photo © Craig Ruaux.
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The Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is dark brown to yellow-orange in color and has large pointed scales that run along its neck and down its back. The Galapagos land iguana is a large lizard reaching lengths in excess of 48in. Its head is blunt in shape and it has a long tail, substantical claws, and a heavy body.

Galapagos land iguanas are natives to the Galapagos Islands. They are vegetarian, feeding primarily on the prickly pear cactus (Source: Bruin).

Vegetarian. Feeds primarily on the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) (Source: Bruin).

Classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Squamata
  • Suborder: Iguania
  • Family: Iguanidae
  • Genus: Conolophus
  • Species: Conolophus subcristatus

Where to See:

Galapagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the west coast of South America. Scrub forest, arid habitat, lives in land burrows.

References:

  • Bruin T. 2000. Conolophus subcristatus, Animal Diversity Web. June 22, 2006.
  • Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
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