Green Iguana
ExploreReptiles
Green Iguana
Iguana iguana
The Green Iguana is a large, green lizard that loves to climb trees. It has a long tail and sharp claws.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests.
Appearance
The Green Iguana is a large lizard primarily vibrant green, with a distinctive dewlap under its chin and a row of spines along its back. It has dark banding on its tail and powerful claws, differing from many lizards by its prominent and serrated dorsal crest.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyIguanidaeGenusIguana
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
84
Interesting facts
Green Iguanas often plunge from high trees into water to escape predators!
Male iguanas use their large throat dewlap to appear bigger and attract mates!
They possess tiny, serrated teeth perfect for snipping through tough leaves and plants!
Young iguanas sometimes eat adult droppings to get helpful gut bacteria!
Special abilities
Ability
Agile Climbers
Green Iguanas have sharp claws and strong limbs, allowing them to climb high into trees for food and safety.
Ability
Tail Release
Green Iguanas can detach their tail if grabbed by a predator; it wiggles to distract while the iguana escapes.
Ability
Third Eye Vision
Green Iguanas have a light-sensing 'third eye' on their head, which detects shadows, warning them of predators from above.
Ability
Salt Sneeze
Green Iguanas can sneeze out excess salt from their bodies through special glands, keeping them healthy on a plant diet.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-180 cm
- Weight
- 4-8 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 10 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 20-71
- Incubation
- 65-115 days
Diet & Feeding
Green iguanas munch on leaves, flowers, and fruits, sometimes even insects as juveniles.
Age differences: Juveniles are more omnivorous, eating insects and small invertebrates, gradually becoming entirely herbivorous as adults.
Primary Foods
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Young shoots
- Occasional insects
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
Hunted by this powerful bird in its rainforest home.
eaten by
Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictor
Preyed upon by this large snake, especially juveniles.
eats
White Fig
Ficus insipida
Consumes the leaves and fruits of this common fig tree.
depends on
Kapok Tree
Ceiba pentandra
Relies on large canopy trees for shelter and sun basking.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Also known as
Common IguanaIguana
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Green Iguana?
The easiest way to identify Green Iguana is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Green Iguana?
150-180 cm
How much does Green Iguana weigh?
4-8 kg
How long does Green Iguana live?
10-20 years
How fast can Green Iguana move?
10 km/h
What does Green Iguana eat?
Green iguanas munch on leaves, flowers, and fruits, sometimes even insects as juveniles.
How fast can Green Iguana swim?
8 km/h
Where is Green Iguana usually found?
Tropical rainforests.
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park45 sightings50 species
Florida, US
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
You might spot Crested Anole, Brown Anole, and Peters's Rock Agama.
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Park39 sightings50 species
Florida, US
Flamingo Gardens
You might spot White Ibis, Green Iguana, and Black-Crowned Night Heron.
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Aquarium0 sightings15 species
Texas, US
San Antonio Aquarium
You might spot Two-Toed Sloths and Ring-Tailed Lemur.
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Aquarium0 sightings14 species
Texas, US
Austin Aquarium
You might spot Red Ruffed Lemur, Two-Toed Sloths, and Capybara.
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Zoo0 sightings14 species
Texas, US
Austin Aquarium
You might spot Zebra Shark, Blue Spotted Stingray, and Octopus.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings14 species
US
Key West Aquarium
You might spot Nurse Shark, Sea Turtle, and Cownose Ray.
View guide →
