Family: Iguanidae, Iguanas view all from this family
Description 40-79" (101-200 cm). Large and blunt-snouted. Green to blue-gray with crest of comblike spines down back and tail, most prominent on neck. Dark bands across shoulders and tail. Color darkens with age, becoming nearly black. Enormous black-edged scale on lower jaw below ear. Jagged fringe on edge of dewlap. Male has larger head with splashes of orange or yellow, row of glandular pores under hind legs. Young bright green; low crest down back.
Breeding Mates in fall. Clutches of 28-40 eggs laid in holes excavated in earth, January to April; hatch 90 days later.
Habitat Arboreal. Most frequently seen in large trees with dense canopies, especially in humid areas. Seems to prefer trees near or overhanging water.
Range Introduced into Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; native to Central and n. South America.
Discussion Diurnal. Adult Iguanas are agile climbers, but juveniles less than 12" (30.5 cm) long seem more terrestrial. Large Iguanas will readily take to water to avoid capture, diving and remaining on the bottom until the danger has passed. Although herbivores, Iguanas will not hesitate to bite if caught. The lashing tail is a formidable weapon, as are the sharp claws.
