Getting to Know the 7 Types of Iguanas Within the Iguanidae Family

Iguanas belong to family of lizards known as Iguanidae.Genus Ctenosauria iguanas are mainly known as the
They have elongated tails, eyelids and four ramblingspiny tailed iguanas and they inhabit Mexico and
legs. All types of iguanas are cold blooded and can liveCentral America. They can only grow to about 35
up to 20 years. Most types of iguanas enjoy spendinginches and are therefore much smaller than the other
most of their time in trees and are therefore referrediguanas. The large scales found on this iguana's tail are
to as being arboreal animals. Other iguanas can beknown to be their trademark feature. These iguanas
found in deserts, rocky areas and some near the sea.are omnivorous as they feed on small insects, fruit and
Some of the more common places that iguanas inhabitflowers.
are South and Central America, Mexico, Hawaii, Florida,Genus Dipsosaurus iguanas inhabit the deserts of
Lesser Antilles Islands and California.Southern America and Mexico. They are full bodied
The following are the 7 types of iguanas within theand possess an apex of expanded and elevated
Iguanidae family:scales on their backs. Their tails are covered in stripes
- The Genus Cyrclura,and are twice as long as their bodies and they have
- Genus Amblyrhyncus,cream to white colored bellies with white spots. They
- Genus Conolophus,can grow up to 15 inches long.
- Genus Ctenosauria,Genus Sauromalus iguanas are also referred to as
- Genus Dipsosaurus,Chuckwallas. They are robust, herbaceous iguanas
- Genus Sauromalus,commonly found in the United States and Mexico.
- Genus Brachylophus.They are strict vegetarians and eat flowers, leaves
The Genus Cyrclura iguanas are found in theand fruits. They have fat bodies with loose skin
Caribbean islands and are also known as rock iguanas.hanging off and they can stay in the heat the whole
They are scarcely sold or traded because they areday without moving. Sometimes, however, to get rid of
considered to be an endangered species andthis extra heat, they either hide in the shade or change
therefore are protected.their color in order to reflect the heat. They tend to be
The Genus Amblyrhyncus iguanas are also referred tosuitable for captivity because of their extreme laziness.
as marine iguanas or the Galapagos Marine Iguanas.Lastly the Genus Brachylophus iguanas or the Fijian
These types of iguanas rely on marine algae for theirbanded Iguanas are found in the islands of Fiji and
food and therefore they cannot easily be kept inTonga.
captivity as their food would be nearly impossible toIguanas are considered endangered species and
produce commercially.therefore if you wish to own one, make sure that it is
The Genus Conolophus iguanas are the closestregistered legally in order to prevent getting in trouble
relatives to the marine iguanas. They are also knownwith the law due to illegal possession. Also be sure to
as Galapagos Land Iguanas and they tend to feed onvisit your vet to get some advice and information on
plants and cacti.how to raise an iguana properly.