7 Iguanas Types - Learn More About This Fascinating Creature

Iguanas come from the lizard family iguanidae. ThereGalapagos Land Iguana. Cactus and plants are its diet
are several Types of Iguanas although they possessof choice.
similar characteristics. Their eyelids, long tails and their4. The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the
four long-winded legs are some of their mostspiny tailed iguanas are indigenous to regions of
distinguishable characteristics. Iguanas are cold bloodedCentral America and Mexico. Their length only spans
just like other reptiles and their life span extends to 20five inches to thirty five inches and hence are relatively
years.smaller when measured up to other species of iguana.
Locations such as Central America, Southern America,A distinguishing feature of this iguana lies in the huge
Mexico, Hawaii, the Lesser Antilles Islands and Parts ofscales present on its tail. Their diet consists of small
Northern America like Florida and California are naturalinsects and fruits and flowers. They are thus
habitats for the iguana.categorized as omnivores.
Most species of iguana live on trees and hence are5. The South American desert iguanas or Genus
arboreal although some species can be found in rockyDipsosaurus are characterized by their full-bodied
areas and deserts. Marine iguanas are those thatnature as well as an elevated apex and a back
reside in seaside locations near caves.covered by expanded scales. The color of their bellies
The Iguanidae family of reptiles has eight types undervaries between shades of white and cream and is
it. These include: Genus Brachylophus, Genuscovered with white dots. Furthermore, its tail is
Amblyrhyncus, Genus Sauromalus, Genus Cyrclura,covered in stripes. When grown, their body length is up
Genus Ctenosauria, Genus Conolophus and Genusto fifteen inches and its tail is double the length of the
Dipsosaurus.body.
1. The rock iguana or binomially, The Genus Cyrclura, is6. The Chuckwalla, or Genus Sauromalus, is an iguana
found in several locations in the Caribbean islands. Thisindigenous to Mexico and the United States. It is strictly
particular species is hardly traded or sold since theya vegetarian and is thus classified as an herbivore. Its
are an endangered species and are hence protected.diet consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. Furthermore,
They are mostly bred in captivity. This is one of thethey have fat bodies and their skin drape loosely over
Types of Iguanas commonly kept as a pet.them. They are fond of heat and rarely move until the
2. The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, thetemperature is a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Galapagos Marine Iguana or simply the marine iguanasExtra heat is dissipated by changing color so as to
or, is particularly difficult to confine due to its diet. Itreflect solar rays or they make seek shelter in the
feeds on the marine algae, an organism whoseshade. They seldom move about and thus make for a
commercial production is nearly impossible.good pet to be reared in captivity.
3. The marine iguana's closest relative is the Genus7. The Fijian banded Iguana or the Genus Brachylophus
Conolophus. It is more commonly known as theis indigenous to Tonga Island and Fiji Island.