Common Chuckwalla Sauromalus ater

The Common Chuckwalla, also called Western Chuckwalla, is an iguana native to southwestern North America. A rock-dwelling species, its broad, flat shape with loose skin allows it to wedge itself into tight rock spaces to evade predators (similar to the spiny-tailed group of North African lizards).

There are several species of Chuckwalla, the name deriving from a native Indian word written by the Spanish as chacahuala. The Common Chuckwalla can grow to some 18 inches length but some island species are nearly double that.

Males have a mainly black head and body (latter with some light spots); juveniles have a light and dark banded body and tail; females usually have less banding and can be dark. After eggs are laid, hatchlings are left to fend for themselves.