Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are a species of reptile found throughout much of Central and South America and in the Caribbean. This tropical creature does well in hot, humid areas, so it should come as no surprise that colonies of iguanas that are descended from escaped pets also thrive in parts of Florida. The green iguana is one of the most common pet reptiles and also one of the largest reptiles commonly kept as pets.

Appearance of green iguanas

Green iguanas hatch from eggs and will be 6 to 8 inches long when they hatch. However, within a few years, these adorable babies will grow into huge lizards five to six feet long. A fully adult iguana weighs an average of fifteen to seventeen pounds.

While juvenile iguanas are typically bright green in color, the name ‘green iguana’ doesn’t always fit exactly. They can range in tone from grayish to emerald green to brown. Its color will depend on your health and mood, as well as the temperature and living environment.

You will notice that adult iguanas have a dewlap or flap of skin that hangs below the chin, which is especially noticeable in males. They have a row of spines running down their neck and back, and they also have a third “eye” known as the parietal eye in the middle of their forehead. The parietal eye is sensitive to light and is associated with the pineal gland. It helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of the iguana and also to the production of hormones for thermoregulation. Because of this, it is important that pet iguanas receive periods of light and darkness every day, usually 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

Habitats of green iguanas

Green iguanas are arboreal lizards, which means that they prefer to spend their time in the treetops of the jungles where they live. This behavior allows them to sunbathe on the leaves, which is their main method of controlling their body temperature. It also gives them protection against predators, as their body color blends well with leaves and shadows. Female iguanas will leave trees to dig burrows in the ground to lay their eggs. They prefer to live near water and are excellent swimmers. If predators get close, they will often quickly escape by diving into the water and swimming away.

Iguana development

When iguanas mate, it takes about 65 days for the female to be ready to lay her eggs. The number of eggs it will lay depends on the size of the iguana, but typically there will be ten to thirty. Females sometimes share nests, especially in areas where there is not much room to dig. Females are “hands off” mothers and do not protect their nests, although they do visit from time to time. The eggs will hatch about 90 days later.