Iguana

Iguana
A green iguana (Iguana iguana)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Sauropsida
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Iguanidae
Genus:	Iguana Laurenti, 1768
Species
Lesser Antillean Iguana, I. delicatissima Green Iguana, I. iguana

Iguana is a genus of lizard native to tropical areas of Central and South America and the Caribbean first described by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena in 1768. The genus iguana includes two species: the Green Iguana and the Lesser Antillean Iguana.

The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original Taino name for the species "Iwana".

Physical Characteristics

The two species of lizard within the genus Iguana possesses a dewlap, a row of spines running down their back to their tail, and a third eye on their head. This eye is known as the Parietal eye, which looks just like a pale scale on the top of their head. Behind their neck are small scales which resemble spikes, known as tuberculate scales. They also have a large round scale on their cheek known as a subtympanic shield.

Sight

Iguanas have excellent vision and can see long distances, shapes, shadows, color and movement. An iguana uses its eyes to navigate through winding threes trees and confusing forests, as well as finding food. They also use visual signals to communicate with members of the same species.

Hearing

An iguana's ear is known as the tympanum. It is the iguana's ear drum and is located right above the subtympanic shield and behind the eye. This is a very thin, delicate part of the iguana, and crucial to its hearing.

Diet

Iguanas love leafy plants, flowers and fruits as their preferred diets.

Myth

Many people have the false assumption that iguanas eat bugs and shoot their tongue out at flies. In fact they are commonly mixed up with the behavior and dieting habits of a chameleon, which is a totally different reptile.

Truth

Actually iguanas are herbivorous, who eat fruit, leaves and flowers. If they do eat bugs, it is usually in their youth. To make it simple, the older an iguana gets, the slower it gets. Plants don't tend to run too far.

Digestive System

An iguana is exothermic, meaning that their body temperature depends on the surrounding environment's temperature. The colder its environment, the less likely the iguana will digest well or have an appetite. The best time for the hungry iguana is when their surrounding are between 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to digest their food, iguanas bask in the sunlight or a warm spot. Unlike mammals, they don't create their own body heat, so they have to take advantage of other warmth.