green iguana

Green Iguana

Iguana iguana

CLASS Reptilia | ORDER Squamata | FAMILY Iguanidae

RANGE Central to South America and on smaller West Indian islands

HABITAT Trees along rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps

DIET Green leafy plants and ripe fruits; sometimes carrion or invertebrates

Weight
Up to 18 lbs

Length
4 - 6.5 ft

Incubation
About 90 days

Clutch
12 - 30

IUCN Status
Least Concern
green iguana

The green iguana can change color slightly to help blend into its environment, but not nearly as well as some lizards, such as chameleons. It is a social species; groups can be found basking and foraging together in trees.

Their tails, which can act like a whip, can be used to deliver painful strikes to attackers. If caught by a predator by the tail, the iguana can allow it to break, so it can escape and eventually regrow a new one.

green iguana

The green iguana can swim well and can stay underwater up to 30 minutes. They regulate their body's salt level by expelling a saline solution through two prominent nostrils.

The green iguana faces threats from the pet trade and the destruction of its rainforest habitat.