Green Iguana
Iguana iguana · Reptile, Vertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Iguanidae, order Squamata, class Reptilia
Animal Category
Reptile/Amphibian
Breed / Variety
Green Iguana (Common Iguana)
Conservation Status
Least Concern, with a stable population trend globally, though considered invasive in areas like Florida.
About This Creature
Large lizard with a robust body, a prominent row of dorsal spines running from the neck down to the tail, a large circular scale (subtympanic shield) below each ear, and a hanging dewlap under the chin. Adults can grow up to 1.5 to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 5 kilograms. Coloration ranges from green to brown, grey, or orange.
Physical Characteristics
Scaly skin with keeled scales, powerful limbs with sharp claws for climbing, long tapering tail that can be used as a whip for defense, well-developed dewlap used for thermoregulation and social signaling, and excellent vision including a parietal 'third' eye.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and largely arboreal. They spend much of their time basking in the sun to regulate body temperature. They are generally solitary except during breeding season and communicate via head-bobbing, dewlap extension, and body posture.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean; introduced to Florida, Hawaii, and parts of Asia.
Habitat
Tropical rainforests, arid scrublands, and coastal areas; semi-arboreal and terrestrial.
Diet & Nutrition
Herbivorous, feeding primarily on leaves, flowers, fruit, and occasional shoots of various plants.
Lifespan & Health
Typically lives 15 to 20 years in captivity, and around 10 to 15 years in the wild. Prone to metabolic bone disease if husbandry and lighting are improper.
Special Characteristics
Possesses a parietal eye that senses light changes, strong tail autotomy as a defense mechanism, and the ability to drop from high branches into water to escape predators.
Ecological Information
Acts as an important seed disperser for various tropical plants through its frugivorous diet.