Green iguana

The green iguana is a large lizard that spends most of its life in trees. It can grow to about 1.7 metres from head to tail, though a few have passed two metres. It has a row of spines along its back, a loose flap of skin called a dewlap under the throat, and a banded tail.

It is native to a wide area from Mexico down to southern Brazil and Paraguay, and it lives in forests and along riverbanks. Unlike most lizards it is mostly a herbivore, eating leaves, flowers and fruit. Scientists think the species first arose in South America and later spread to Central America and the Caribbean.

A tree-top swimmer

Green iguanas bask on branches high above water. When danger comes, they may simply drop into the river below and swim away, using their long, flat tails like paddles.

A light-sensing spot on the top of their head, sometimes called a third eye, helps them notice shadows of predators passing above. It also uses its strong claws to climb, and its long toes grip bark well.

Iguanas around the world

Because they are bright, calm and easy to find, green iguanas are popular pets. They are not easy pets, though: they need lots of space, special lighting and heat.

Some escaped or released iguanas have started to live in warm places far from home, such as Florida and Hawaii, where scientists consider them invasive. Like many reptiles, it needs heat from the sun to keep its body warm and to digest its food.

On the globe

The globe places the green iguana in the forests and riverbanks of Central America. Look for the spiny crest and the banded tail.