Knowra Green iguana Green iguana The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, mainly herbivorous lizard native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is distinguished by a row of dorsal spines, a throat fan called a dewlap, and a long tail.
Iguanidae : Iguanidae is a family of mostly New World lizards that includes iguanas and their close relatives. The green iguana is one of the family’s best-known members.
Thermoregulation : Thermoregulation is the control of an organism’s body temperature. Green iguanas shift between sun and shade to regulate body heat.
Iguana husbandry : Iguana husbandry is the captive care of iguanas, including housing, diet, heat, and veterinary needs. Keeping green iguanas healthy requires space, controlled heat, and suitable plant foods.
Lesser Antilles iguana : The Lesser Antilles iguana (Iguana delicatissima) is a Caribbean iguana species distinct from Iguana iguana. It is threatened in part by hybridization with introduced green iguanas.
Squamata : Squamata is the reptile order comprising lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians. This order places the green iguana among scaled reptiles.
Lizard locomotion : Lizard locomotion includes the ways lizards walk, climb, swim, and run. Clawed feet and a muscular tail support the iguana’s climbing and swimming.
Exotic pet trade : The exotic pet trade is the commerce in wild or non-native animals kept as pets. Green iguanas have been widely sold as pets, including through international trade.
Grand Cayman blue iguana : The Grand Cayman blue iguana is a large, endangered lizard endemic to Grand Cayman. Its island conservation story contrasts with the green iguana’s broad range and introductions.
Dewlap : A dewlap is a fold of skin beneath an animal’s throat, often used in display or communication. The green iguana’s conspicuous throat fan is a dewlap.
Autotomy : Autotomy is the voluntary shedding of a body part, often as an escape response. Green iguanas can shed part of the tail when seized by a predator.
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