COMMON IGUANA (GREEN IGUANA)

Iguana iguana

REPTILE

Order Squamata

Description

3-6 ft long including tail; up to 8 lbs. Female smaller than male and with a less elaborate dorsal fringe. Adults are pale gray- green, marked with black bars on sides. Males are also marked with orange. Young are bright green.

Range

Mexico to southern Brazil and Paraguay, plus Caribbean Islands.

Status

Although not currently listed as endangered, commercial trade of this species is regulated by international law, since it may become endangered without regulated trade.


Photo by Greg Neise

 

Ecology


Habitat
canopy of tropical forests, about 40-50 ft above the ground.

Niche
primarily herbivorous, but will eat eggs, insects, and small vertebrates; prefers fruit. Diurnal and arboreal. These iguanas are not social, but may be drawn together by basking conditions.

Life History

Nesting occurs in Feb. The female digs a burrow in the ground for the eggs, then digs additional false burrows to deceive potential egg predators. Eggs incubate underground for 8-10 wks. 3-10 young hatch.

Special Adaptations

  • Bead-like scales form a tough, abrasion-resistant and water-tight skin.
  • Long fingers and claws grasp tree branches well.
  • Razor sharp tail can be used as a defense weapon.
  • Tail is autotomous (will break at a particular point where the vertebrae are modified), allowing animal to escape while tail is held by a predator.
  • Dorsal fringe scales (and inflatable dewlap in males) make the animal look bigger when threatened or excited.
  • Coloration designed to conceal the body among the sun-dappled leaves.