• Key Information

  • Iguanas

  • Species
    Iguana delicatissima, Iguana iguana
  • Diet
    Herbivore
  • Length
    5 to 6 ft
  • Weight
    Up to 20 lb
  • Lifespan
    15 to 25 years
  • Classification
    Reptilia > Squamata > Iguania
  • Conservation Status
    Green Iguana, not endangered, Lesser Antillean Iguana critically endangered
  • Habitat
    Tropical forests and islands
  • Learning Point
  • Unlike carnivorous reptiles, iguanas are designed with stronger jaws and skulls giving them a stronger bite to allow them to eat vegitation and leaves.
  • Project
  • Draw an iguana, showing its scales and crest.
  • Location
  • Places
    Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii and Ishigaki Island
  • Fun Facts
  • The word "iguana" is derived from the original Taino name for the species, iwana.
  • Iguanas have become popular pets, with many now in new habitats like Florida, Hawaii and Ishigaki Island.
  • Several other species of animals within the family Iguanidae also contain the word iguana in their names, but they aren't true iguanas.
  • These lizards possess a dewlap, a flap of skin under their chin, and a row of scales from their necks down to their tails sticking out like a crest.
  • Iguanas have a special scale called a perietal eye that is on the back of its head that helps the lizard sense the change of light from day to night.