Green Iguana
Iguana iguana
Quick answer
The green iguana is a large, mostly plant-eating lizard native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It spends much of its life in trees, can grow well over 1.5 m (5 ft) including its long tail, and is a popular but demanding pet reptile. Green iguanas are herbivores that often live 10 to 15 years, and longer with good care.
Green Iguana facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Iguana iguana |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest canopy near water |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years, longer in captivity |
| Length | 1.2–1.7 m (4–5.6 ft) including tail |
| Top speed | Up to 35 km/h (22 mph) on land |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Iguanidae |
| Genus | Iguana |
Where it lives
Tropical lowlands from Mexico and Central America through much of northern South America, usually near rivers.
Behavior and life in the trees
Green iguanas are arboreal, spending most of their time high in the rainforest canopy where they bask in the sun and feed on leaves. They are strong climbers and surprisingly good swimmers, often dropping from branches into rivers to escape predators. A row of spines along the back and a large flap of skin under the chin, called a dewlap, help them display to rivals and regulate temperature.
Diet and feeding
Despite their fierce appearance, green iguanas are almost entirely herbivorous. Adults eat leaves, flowers, and fruit, and they rely on warmth to digest this fibrous plant material. In captivity they need a varied diet of leafy greens and vegetables, as too much protein can damage their kidneys.
Habitat and range
Green iguanas are native to a wide band of the Americas, from Mexico and Central America through much of tropical South America, usually near rivers and lakes. They have also been introduced to places such as Florida and several Caribbean and Pacific islands, where they can become invasive. They favor warm, humid lowland forest.
As a pet
Green iguanas are widely sold as pets but are challenging to keep well. They grow large, need spacious enclosures with strong UVB lighting, high humidity, and warm basking areas, and can deliver painful scratches, bites, and tail whips if stressed. Many are surrendered when owners underestimate their size and care needs.
Frequently asked questions about the Green Iguana
What do green iguanas eat?
Green iguanas are herbivores. They eat leaves, flowers, and fruit in the wild, and in captivity they do best on leafy greens and vegetables with limited fruit and no animal protein.
How big do green iguanas get?
Adult green iguanas commonly reach 1.2 to 1.7 m (4 to 5.6 ft) in total length, with the tail making up more than half of that. Large males can be heavy and powerful.
How long do green iguanas live?
Green iguanas often live 10 to 15 years, and well-cared-for pets can live 20 years or more. Poor diet and inadequate lighting are common reasons captive iguanas die young.
Are green iguanas good pets?
They can be rewarding but are not beginner pets. They grow large, need large enclosures with UVB lighting and high humidity, and can be defensive, so they suit experienced keepers willing to commit space and time.
Are green iguanas dangerous?
Green iguanas are not venomous and avoid people when they can, but a frightened iguana can scratch, bite, and whip with its tail. These defensive moves can cause injury, so they should be handled calmly and carefully.
Can green iguanas swim?
Yes. Green iguanas are strong swimmers and often live near water. They will dive in and use their powerful tails to propel themselves when escaping predators.
