Spiny-tailed lizard

Description
These are medium-large sized lizards of between 18 and 40cm with flat, rounded bodies and very strong, spiny tails, from which they take their name. The colouring of this saurian is very varied. Adults have a black colour on which yellow, green and orange colours stand out, accentuated in the mating season or when high temperatures are reached during sun exposure.

Ethology
Exclusively land-based and invariably diurnal. Their activity depends on the environmental temperature. They may have a hibernation period in cold months. They need very high temperatures, and therefore spend most of the time in the sun. They are very active at temperatures of over 40ºC. After 60 days of pregnancy (gestation), the female deposits 12 to 30 eggs in a hole in the ground, which take 100 days to hatch.

Interesting facts
They use the asphalt of roads to warm themselves, and are thus frequently killed by cars. Their main threat is mankind. In their countries of origin they are captured for sale as souvenirs for tourists, and even as talismans or food.