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Green Iguana
Green Iguana
The Green Iguana
Information

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Family

Iguanidae

Genus

Iguana

Species

Iguana iguana

Size

4.9 - 6.6 feet (1.5 - 2 meters)

Weight

20 pounds (9.1 kilograms)

Diet

Herbivorous

Green Iguanas are an arboreal species of lizard that is native to Central and South America.

Diet[]

The diet of this lizard consists mainly of leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Distribution and Habitat[]

Green Iguanas are diurnal, tree-climbing reptiles, and are often found around water. They are extremely good climbers, and are also able to fall up to 50 ft (15 m) and land unharmed. During cold and wet weather, iguanas prefer to stay on the ground for greater warmth. When swimming, an iguana remains submerged, letting its limbs hang limply against its side, while propelling through the water with a powerful, fish-like tail motion.

In Captivity[]

This lizard is commonly kept as a pet by hobbyists due to its bright colors, calm personality and large size, however it can be very demanding to care for properly, such as requiring a large amount of space for it to roam and special lighting and heating needs, and is recommended only for skilled reptile owner. The green iguana will, if necessary, use its tail like a whip if threatened and gnash out with its leaf shaped teeth.

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