From the Archives of

The Colorado Herpetological Society

Lizards

The Captive Care of Desert Iguanas
(Dipsosaurus dorsalis)

by Scott Patterson

Range:
Desert Iguanas range from the tip of Southern Utah, east to central Arizona, west through the deserts of Southern California, and south into Mexico. They are most common in sandy areas with sparse vegetation, and frequently are associated with creosote bushes. They can, however, occasionally be found in rocky areas as well.

In Captivity:
Desert Iguanas need a rather large cage, with a sand or gravel substrate. They are strong diggers, and care should be taken that any heavy objects in their enclosure -- such as rocks -- are firmly resting on the cage bottom, lest they attempt to burrow under only to have it fall and crush them. Keep one end of the enclosure warm with a spotlight, somewhere around 95-100°F [35-38°C]. The other end of the cage should be at room temperature (70-75°F or 21-24°C), and should include a hide box for shelter. Ultra Violet light should be provided during the day time; a full spectrum fluorescent bulb with a high UVB output is recommended.

Desert Iguanas are true omnivores. They will eat a variety of insects, including crickets, jumbo mealworm (Zoophoba), and wax worms. However, their diet should include a large percentage of vegetable matter, such as kale, collard greens, bok choy, endive, and dandelions (be sure to avoid areas sprayed with insecticides when hunting "wild" dandelions). Add a reptile vitamin supplement to their food regularly. Offer water once a week.

Desert Iguanas make excellent captives; they are mild-mannered and never bite. When cool, they are extremely docile and take well to handling. When at basking temperatures, however, they can run bipedally at speeds greater than can their (also bipedal) keepers.