05/05/2025
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!
Hugo is pleased to celebrate his Mexican ancestry on Cinco de Mayo. He is a Calico Chuckwalla, which is a hybrid cross of the Angel Island Chuckwalla (Sauromalus Hispidus) and the San Esteban Chuckwalla (Sauromalus Varius). Both of these species are native to the country of Mexico.
The Angel Island species is found only on Isle Ángel de la Guarda in Baja California, México. This is the second largest species of chuckwalla and is a dark brown color with transverse black bands that fade into a solid darker brown to black. They can weigh over 3 lbs and reach a length of 25" from snout to tail tip.
The San Esteban Chuckwalla is found exclusively on Isla San Esteban in the Gulfo de California, México. This is the largest species of chuckwalla and is grey with tan to yellowish orange patches over its entire body, and its face is gray to black. They can weigh over 3 lbs and reach a length of 30" from snout to tail tip.
All species of chuckwallas are from the iguana family. They are predominantly omnivorous, dining on desert greens and flowers. Did you know that Arizona is home to a much smaller species of chuckwalla? The Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus Ater) is found all over various parts of the state, as well as parts of California, Utah and Nevada. That's why we have chosen this wonderful little creature to represent our company.
Celebrate Hugo's Mexican heritage and Cinco de Mayo by taking a hike out into the desert to possibly catch a glimpse of his smaller cousins basking in the Southwestern sunshine.