Green Iguana

Overview

The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is one of the largest lizard species in the Americas, reaching lengths up to 2 meters including the tail. These impressive reptiles are characterized by their striking green coloration in juveniles and young adults, though older individuals may develop orange, brown, or grayish hues. A row of spines runs along their back from head to tail, and they possess a large dewlap under their throat used for communication and thermoregulation. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, Green Iguanas are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the forest canopy. Despite their size, they are agile climbers with strong limbs and sharp claws. They are accomplished swimmers and often live near water sources, into which they will drop from considerable heights to escape predators. Green Iguanas are strictly herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits. These reptiles have become established in several regions outside their native range, including southern Florida, Hawaii, and various Caribbean islands, where they are sometimes considered invasive. They are popular in the exotic pet trade, though their large size and specific care requirements make them challenging to maintain in captivity. In the wild, Green Iguanas play important ecological roles as seed dispersers and prey for various predators.

How to identify

Adult Green Iguanas measure 1.2-2 meters in total length, with males being larger than females. Juveniles are bright green, while adults may be green, gray, brown, or orange. Key identifying features include a large, round scale below the ear (subtympanic plate), a prominent dewlap (throat fan), a serrated crest of spines along the back and tail, and long digits with sharp claws. Males have larger dewlaps, more pronounced dorsal spines, and enlarged femoral pores on their thighs. No vocalizations are typical, though they may hiss when threatened.

Habitat

Green Iguanas inhabit tropical rainforests, dry forests, mangrove swamps, and gallery forests along rivers and streams. They prefer areas with dense canopy cover near permanent water sources, where they bask in sunlight on branches overhanging water. They are found from sea level to elevations around 1,000 meters.

Distribution

Native range extends from southern Mexico through Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) and across much of South America including Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, and the Caribbean islands. Introduced populations exist in southern Florida (USA), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Diet

Strictly herbivorous, feeding primarily on leaves, flowers, fruits, and shoots. Preferred food plants include hibiscus, roses, and various tropical vegetation. Juveniles may occasionally consume insects, but adults are exclusively plant-eaters. They require high-fiber, calcium-rich vegetation and obtain most water from their food.

Behavior

Green Iguanas are diurnal and primarily arboreal, basking in elevated positions during morning hours to thermoregulate. They are generally solitary except during breeding season. When threatened, they may whip their powerful tail, bite, or leap into water from heights up to 15 meters. Males are territorial during breeding season, displaying head-bobbing, dewlap extensions, and color changes to establish dominance and attract mates.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding occurs once annually, typically during dry season. Males compete for territories and harems of females through displays and combat. Females dig burrows in sandy soil to deposit clutches of 20-70 eggs, which incubate for 90-120 days depending on temperature. Hatchlings emerge synchronized and receive no parental care. Sexual maturity is reached at 3-4 years of age.

When to look

Most visible during dry season (December-April in most of range) when breeding occurs. Basking behavior most prominent during morning hours year-round. Hatchlings typically emerge at beginning of rainy season.

Cultural significance

Green Iguanas have been hunted for food throughout their range for millennia, with their meat and eggs considered delicacies in many Latin American countries. They hold cultural importance in Mayan and other indigenous cultures. In modern times, they are popular in the international pet trade. Some rural communities practice iguana farming as a sustainable protein source.

Similar species

• Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima)
• Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)
• Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus)

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