Green Iguana
Iguana iguana
This large, herbivorous lizard is one of the most common pet reptiles. It starts out bright green and can be a variety of colors in adulthood. It is distinguished by a ro…
How to identify
This large, herbivorous lizard is one of the most common pet reptiles. It starts out bright green and can be a variety of colors in adulthood. It is distinguished by a row of spiked scales down its spine which grow quite long on adults, large jowls adorned with hard circular scales, a long dewlap, and its impressive muscular body with a thick tail that often has black bands. They often reach 5 feet in total length, but can exceed 6 feet. Large adults can weigh over 20 lbs.
Range
Native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean islands. Feral populations are established in south Florida, Hawaii, deep south Texas, and the US Virgin Islands.
Habitat
Green iguanas are mostly arboreal and live in tropical environments near permanent water sources. They are strong swimmers and will often cross waterways. Feral individuals are often found in suburban areas.
Variations
Males are larger and thicker all over, and have the distinctive large jowls. Adults can be dull brown, green, or grey, or they can be more colorful rusty orange, lavender, or turquoise. Due to selective breeding in captivity, less natural color morphs are common, including yellow, white, and red individuals.
Similar species
The green iguana resembles several iguana species, including the black spiny-tailed iguana (*Ctenosaura similis*), western spiny-tailed iguana (*Ctenosaura pectinata*), Cuban iguana (*Cyclura nubila*), Grand Cayman blue iguana (*Cyclura lewisi*), and the lesser Antillean iguana (*Iguana delicatissima*). It also shares similar features with the Chinese water dragon (*Physignathus cocincinus*).
Name and etymology
Iguana: Derived from the Taino word for this lizard.
At a glance
Size
2 m
Range
Native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean islands. Feral populations are established in so…
Habitat
Green iguanas are mostly arboreal and live in tropical environments near permanent water sources. They are strong swimmers an…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap