How long do iguanas live?

Iguanas typically live 12 to 20 years with proper care. Some well cared for individuals can live over 20 years. Lifespan depends on diet, housing, temperature control, and overall health management. Wild iguanas face predators and environmental challenges that often shorten their lives compared to captive iguanas.

How big do iguanas get?

Green iguanas grow 5 to 7 feet long from head to tail, with tails comprising half to two thirds of their length. Adults typically weigh 11 to 20 pounds. Males grow larger than females. Size varies by species, with some iguanas staying smaller than 2 feet long.

Yes, iguanas are excellent swimmers. They use their powerful tails to propel through water. Wild iguanas often live near water and dive in to escape predators. They can hold their breath for extended periods. Marine iguanas dive up to 30 feet to forage for algae on the ocean floor.

Do iguanas make good pets?

Iguanas can be rewarding pets for experienced reptile keepers but are not suitable for beginners. They require large enclosures, specific diets, UV lighting, temperature control, and can live over 20 years. Adult iguanas may become aggressive during breeding season. Proper care requires significant time, space, and financial commitment.

Are iguanas dangerous?

Iguanas are generally not dangerous but can defend themselves. They have sharp claws, strong tails, and can bite. Large iguanas may inflict serious injuries if threatened or during breeding season when males become territorial. Proper handling techniques and respecting their space minimize risks. Wild iguanas usually flee rather than fight.

What is the dewlap on an iguana?

The dewlap is a large flap of skin that hangs beneath an iguana's chin. Males extend their dewlaps to attract females, establish territory, and communicate with other iguanas. A larger, more colorful dewlap often indicates a healthier, more dominant male. Both sexes have dewlaps but males have larger ones.

Can iguanas change color?

Yes, iguanas can change color based on temperature, mood, health, and age. They may darken to absorb more heat or lighten when warm. Males develop bright orange coloring during breeding season. Stress, illness, or shedding can also affect coloration. Color changes are less dramatic than chameleons but still noticeable.

Iguana Facts: Species, Diet, Habitat, Care & More

Everything about these large tropical lizards

Iguanas are large herbivorous lizards found in tropical regions. Learn about iguana species, diet, behavior, habitat, and popular pet care.

Key Facts

Scientific Name

Iguana iguana (Green Iguana)

Lifespan

12 to 20 years

Length

5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m)

Weight

11 to 20 lbs (5 to 9 kg)

Species

35+ iguana species

Diet

Herbivore (leaves, flowers, fruit)

Habitat

Tropical rainforests and coasts

Tail Length

Half to two thirds of body

Swimming Ability

Excellent swimmers

Speed

Up to 21 mph on land

Third Eye

Parietal eye on head

Dewlap

Throat flap for communication

About Iguana Facts: Species, Diet, Habitat, Care & More

Iguanas are large lizards native to tropical regions of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The green iguana is the most recognized species and one of the most popular pet reptiles.

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

Green iguanas are the largest species, reaching 5 to 7 feet in length from head to tail. Their tails account for approximately half to two thirds of their total length. Adult iguanas typically weigh 11 to 20 pounds, though some males grow larger. One of the iguana's most fascinating features is a third eye on top of the head called the parietal eye.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Iguanas are strict herbivores that eat leaves, flowers, and fruit. In the wild, they consume a wide variety of plants including hibiscus, dandelions, and other vegetation. Fruit should comprise only 10 to 20 percent of their diet. Iguanas need exposure to UV light to produce vitamin D3, which helps absorb calcium.

Habitat and Distribution

Green iguanas inhabit tropical rainforests, coastal areas, and mangrove swamps from Mexico to Brazil. They prefer areas near water sources. Iguanas are excellent climbers and spend most of their time in trees. When threatened, they drop from branches into water below, sometimes falling from heights over 40 feet.

Behavior and Communication

Iguanas are primarily solitary animals except during breeding season. Males are territorial and defend their areas from other males. They use head bobbing, dewlap extension, and color changes to communicate. Rapid head bobbing signals aggression or dominance.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Iguanas reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years old. A female can lay 20 to 70 eggs depending on her size and health. Eggs incubate for 90 to 120 days. Young iguanas often stay together in groups for protection during their first year.

Species Diversity

Over 35 species of iguanas exist, adapted to different environments. It dives up to 30 feet to eat algae. The spiny tailed iguana is one of the fastest lizards, reaching speeds of 21 mph. The blue iguana of Grand Cayman is critically endangered with only about 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

Conservation and Pet Trade

Many iguana species face threats from habitat loss and hunting. Some cultures eat iguana meat and eggs. The pet trade has significantly impacted wild populations. Green iguanas are bred in captivity for the pet market, reducing pressure on wild populations.

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Historical Analysis

⚡Historical Significance

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Charles Darwin studied marine iguanas in the Galapagos and called them imps of darkness, though their ocean foraging helped inspire his theories of adaptation.
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Ancient Maya civilization considered iguanas sacred animals and included them in religious ceremonies and artwork.
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Iguana meat called chicken of the trees has been a protein source in Central and South American cultures for thousands of years.
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Green iguanas released by pet owners have become one of the most problematic invasive species in Florida and Puerto Rico.
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The blue iguana of Grand Cayman was down to 15 individuals in 2002 before conservation efforts brought them back from the brink.

📝Critical Reception

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Research proved iguanas have a functional third eye that detects predator shadows, not just a vestigial structure as once believed.
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Scientists discovered marine iguanas can shrink their body length by up to 20% during food shortages, a unique survival adaptation.
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Studies revealed iguana dewlaps serve multiple functions including species recognition, temperature regulation, and social communication.
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Research showed green iguanas recognize their owners and can be trained, demonstrating more intelligence than previously assumed.
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Scientists found iguanas can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes when hiding underwater from predators.

🌍Cultural Impact

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Iguanas became one of the most popular pet reptiles in the 1990s, leading to millions being bred and sold worldwide.
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Florida's invasive iguana population has grown so large that authorities encourage residents to kill them humanely.
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Iguana farms in Central America now raise them commercially for meat, reducing pressure on wild populations.
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The Galapagos marine iguana became an iconic symbol of evolution and unique island adaptation.
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Green iguanas falling from trees during cold snaps in Florida became a recurring news phenomenon called frozen iguanas.

Before & After

📅Before

Before the 1990s pet trade explosion, green iguanas were relatively unknown outside their native range. They lived in Central and South American forests with stable populations and no presence in North America.

🚀After

After becoming popular pets, millions of iguanas were bred and sold, with many released or escaped into non native environments. Florida now hosts a massive invasive iguana population causing ecological and infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, some native species like the blue iguana were nearly driven extinct before conservation intervened.

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Did You Know?

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Iguanas have a third eye on top of their head called the parietal eye that detects predators from above

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Green iguanas can drop from heights over 40 feet into water to escape predators without injury

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An iguana's tail makes up half to two thirds of its total body length

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Marine iguanas are the only lizards that forage for food in the ocean

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Iguanas can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 minutes

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The fastest iguana species can run up to 21 mph to escape danger

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Why It Still Matters Today

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Invasive green iguanas cause millions of dollars in infrastructure damage annually in Florida and Caribbean islands

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Blue iguana conservation represents one of the most successful reptile recovery programs ever achieved

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Marine iguanas face threats from climate change as El Nino events kill their algae food sources

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Pet trade impacts continue affecting wild iguana populations in many countries

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Research on iguana third eyes provides insights into vertebrate evolution and light sensing biology

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Test Your Knowledge

How much do you know? Take this quick quiz to find out!

1. What is the parietal eye on top of an iguana's head?

2. What makes marine iguanas unique among all lizards?

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Original Insights

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Iguanas have a real third eye. The parietal eye on their head cannot see images but detects shadows from predators above and regulates hormones.

•

Marine iguanas can shrink. During food shortages, they can reduce their body length by up to 20% and regrow when food returns.

•

Iguanas are not always green. Green iguanas can turn orange, pink, or blue depending on mood, temperature, and breeding status.

•

Frozen iguanas are not dead. When temperatures drop below 40°F, iguanas become immobilized and fall from trees but usually recover when warmed.

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Iguanas sneeze salt. Marine iguanas and some land species have special glands that excrete excess salt through their nostrils.

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Baby iguanas face cannibalism. Adults will eat juvenile iguanas, so young ones must hide and live separately for survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iguanas are strict herbivores that eat leaves, flowers, and fruit. Wild iguanas consume various plants including hibiscus and dandelions. Pet iguanas need leafy greens like collard greens and mustard greens. Fruit should comprise only 10 to 20 percent of their diet. Proper nutrition and UV light are essential for calcium absorption.

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Sources & References

Parietal Eye Function in Reptiles

Marine Iguana Diving Physiology

Green Iguana Invasive Species Impact

Blue Iguana Conservation Success

Iguana Thermoregulation and Behavior

This article is reviewed by the Pagefacts team.

Editorial Approach:

This article reveals iguanas' functioning third eye that detects predator shadows, explains how marine iguanas became the only ocean foraging lizards, and explores the contrast between invasive species problems and conservation success stories.