Green Iguana

1 Overview

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a tree-dwelling lizard native from Mexico to Paraguay and one of the most popular pet reptiles in the US. Captive animals can live 20+ years.

SOURCE NOTE: the source misspelled the name as ‘Iguana iguan’; the correct binomial is Iguana iguana.

2 Appearance

A typical arboreal lizard, adults reach about 2 m and ~8 kg. Juveniles are green (camouflage) and shift to yellow, blue or brown with age. Key features: a serrated dorsal crest, black tail bands, and a large dewlap in adult males. Wild lifespans are 10-15 years; captives exceed 20.

3 Habitat & Environment

Heat-tolerant, cold-intolerant, and fast-growing, so they need a large enclosure – taller than long (height = body length, length = 1.5x, width = 2/3). Ensure ventilation (not a sealed fish tank), humidity 60-80% via a water dish or humidifier, and a warm basking spot 32-35 C with 28 C elsewhere and 25-28 C at night.

Provide thick branches for climbing and UVA heat + UVB (5.0/10.0, 6-8 h/day) lamps; never shine UVB through glass. Use newspaper or tile substrate (no loose sand/wood chips they can swallow). A 14 h light / 10 h dark cycle is ideal.

4 Diet & Feeding

Strictly herbivorous in the wild (leaves, flowers, fruit). In captivity offer variety – chopped, mixed greens and veg (they pick favourites and can get deficient on one food). Feed daily, best in the morning after warming. Dust with D3 calcium powder. Use a food dish.