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Green iguanas are known to be the most popular and largest lizard pet that inhabits primarily in most of the U.S.A. Their natural habitat is located in tropical forests in Central and South Africa, the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. They are also a natural breed in Florida and Hawaii .
Physical Attributes of the Green Iguana
After being hatched as a baby iguana their length is already about 17 to 25 centimeters. The reptile could grow fast at a rate of achieving 5 to 7 ft in 4 years provided they are given the right nutrition and caring as a pet. Its weight on the other hand could reach up to weight of 4 to 8 kg .
The color green of green iguanas are achieved upon adulthood. At younger stages, their color varies from brown to green. Their color also changes depending on their mood, temperature and health condition.
One of the trademark features of an iguana is its dewlap located below the throat. This is more prominent in the males than the female green iguanas.
The eyes of the iguanas are in lateral position with respect to their head. Meaning they are at the sides like those of fish. One unique about the iguana is its possession of a third eye. This photo sensory organ is also responsible for triggering hormone production for reproduction. Sensitive to light changes, it does recognize images, having only a rudimentary retina and lens. It is visible as a gray or white spot on the top of some lizard's heads referred to as "pineal eye" or "third eye."
Green iguanas love to stay on top of trees. The young iguanas tend to stay at the lower part of the trees, while the older ones prefer the top canopies to hunt for food and get more sunlight. They love waters. They stay on trees near a body of water, as it is their way of escape from their predator.
The females only go down the tree to dig its burrows and lay eggs. The burrows are dug to about 45 cm to 1m deep. It takes 65 days from conception before an iguana lays its eggs. It takes them about 3 days to lay which could total from 10 to 30 eggs. The size and quantity of the eggs depends on the mother iguana's size. They are sociable mothers who shares nest with other iguanas especially when there are limited available spots for nesting. Unlike other egg laying animals, iguanas does not brood its egg. They just get back to the nest regularly to inspect. The incubation period lasts to about 90 to 120 days. Temperature ranges from 85 to 91 deg F. The hatchlings use their special teeth called caruncle to crack their eggs.
Iguanas could live at an average of 10 to 12 years up to a maximum of 20 years if they are fed and taken cared of in captivity. Iguanas that live in the wilds are believed to survive its harsh environment only to about 8 years. Care and proper nutrition must be observed in keeping the iguanas as pets. They require a diet of vegetables and fruits rich in Phosphorous, Calcium and vitamin D. Bananas rich in Potassium is a favorite.
Physical Attributes of the Green Iguana
After being hatched as a baby iguana their length is already about 17 to 25 centimeters. The reptile could grow fast at a rate of achieving 5 to 7 ft in 4 years provided they are given the right nutrition and caring as a pet. Its weight on the other hand could reach up to weight of 4 to 8 kg .
The color green of green iguanas are achieved upon adulthood. At younger stages, their color varies from brown to green. Their color also changes depending on their mood, temperature and health condition.
One of the trademark features of an iguana is its dewlap located below the throat. This is more prominent in the males than the female green iguanas.
The eyes of the iguanas are in lateral position with respect to their head. Meaning they are at the sides like those of fish. One unique about the iguana is its possession of a third eye. This photo sensory organ is also responsible for triggering hormone production for reproduction. Sensitive to light changes, it does recognize images, having only a rudimentary retina and lens. It is visible as a gray or white spot on the top of some lizard's heads referred to as "pineal eye" or "third eye."
Green iguanas love to stay on top of trees. The young iguanas tend to stay at the lower part of the trees, while the older ones prefer the top canopies to hunt for food and get more sunlight. They love waters. They stay on trees near a body of water, as it is their way of escape from their predator.
The females only go down the tree to dig its burrows and lay eggs. The burrows are dug to about 45 cm to 1m deep. It takes 65 days from conception before an iguana lays its eggs. It takes them about 3 days to lay which could total from 10 to 30 eggs. The size and quantity of the eggs depends on the mother iguana's size. They are sociable mothers who shares nest with other iguanas especially when there are limited available spots for nesting. Unlike other egg laying animals, iguanas does not brood its egg. They just get back to the nest regularly to inspect. The incubation period lasts to about 90 to 120 days. Temperature ranges from 85 to 91 deg F. The hatchlings use their special teeth called caruncle to crack their eggs.
Iguanas could live at an average of 10 to 12 years up to a maximum of 20 years if they are fed and taken cared of in captivity. Iguanas that live in the wilds are believed to survive its harsh environment only to about 8 years. Care and proper nutrition must be observed in keeping the iguanas as pets. They require a diet of vegetables and fruits rich in Phosphorous, Calcium and vitamin D. Bananas rich in Potassium is a favorite.
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