Desert iguanas don’t usually come into the pet market, like chuckawallas. Nevada is the only state that allows this lizard to be exported commercially. A few states allow the collection of a couple lizards with a hunting license. Herpetoculturists are few and far between, but it is hoped that more will work with the beautiful lizard to ensure there is a supply of captive-born animals.

Taxonomy, explanation and classification

Dipsosaurus Dorsalis is the only Dipsosaurus. It’s an attractive, whitish-colored lizard with a snout-to vent length of 4-5.25″ (10-13 cm). The tail is almost twice as long as the body, and it is ringed by keeled scaling. The males have a more angular head and larger femoral pores. During breeding season, both sexes can develop pink spots on the sides of their belly.

Most commonly, they are found in sandy floodplains, but can also be seen along rocky streambeds, on the lower slopes and hillsides, or in silty swamps. In the northern part of their ranges, they are found with creosote shrubs, while in the southern area of their ranges, they can be found in subtropical shrub areas. In rodent burrows, they will often plug in the burrows in the darkness to protect them from predators.

Desert iguanas can be found in the early morning hours. The highest temperature recorded for reptiles is 108degF (42.2degC). They are active when other lizards retreat from the heat.

Care for Captive Animals

Desert iguanas are best kept in a desert setting with a burrow made of plastic or pipes. This lizard loves to bask in the sun, so one end of the cage needs a warm area that reaches temperatures above 120degF.

Full spectrum bulbs or exposure to sunlight are the best ways to provide ultraviolet light. The research shows that ultraviolet light influences the behavior of Dipsosaurus. UVA illuminates the femoral pores, which allows other species members to find them. These secretions may be messages sent between lizards to advertise territories or a breeding male.

Desert iguanas eat the leaves, buds and flowers of desert plants, including coville. In the northern part of their range, spring food is primarily made up of creosote flower buds that they will climb up the shrubs to find. Summer diets include insects, other arthropods and the fecal material of the animal. In captivity they are fed salads and insects such as crickets or superworms at least three times per week.

Reproduction

Hibernating desert iguanas for three to four months will stimulate their reproduction. Desert iguanas are often found in pairs in the wild from mid-April to mid-July. Breeding occurs in early April and in late May. The females retreat underground to lay three to eight eggs in August.

The top of the cage should have moist sand or dirt, far away from the light source. This will allow the female to dig a burrow in which she can lay her eggs. Incubate the eggs in vermiculite that is slightly moist. Hatchlings must be fed a diet equivalent to adults, with calcium supplements during the primary years. Hatchlings who weren’t hibernated reach sexual maturity within a year (personal communication by Tom Greb, 1998).