Very little is known about this small iguana restricted to the Pacific versant of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Southern Oaxaca, México. Prior to 2001 when the species was described, these iguanas were included in the classification for the Five-keeled Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata) found in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Similar to the latter, the Oaxaca Spiny-tailed Iguana has a very stout and spiky tail which may help protect it from predators. They seek refuge in the natural hollows of trees and cacti where their tail can be used as a firm wedge. They are found primarily in the dry forest – the same habitat that is preferred by cattle ranchers and is converted to grazing land.