Iguana

A reptile in our animal collection

Most of our entries cover mammals — the iguana is in our animals collection as a representative reptile, since the broader category “animals” includes reptiles. Strictly, Animalia covers all multicellular eukaryotic organisms in the kingdom; we use it loosely here for vertebrates other than birds, fish, and insects.

A herbivore that looks carnivorous

Despite its dragon-like appearance — long claws, sharp teeth, spiked back, whiplike tail — the green iguana is a strict herbivore. Adults eat leaves, fruits, flowers, and shoots, particularly favoring red and yellow flowers. Juveniles occasionally eat insects but quickly transition to a plant diet.

The teeth are not for catching prey but for shredding leaves and fruit — sharp-edged, leaf-shaped, and constantly replaced as they wear down.

Florida’s invasion

Green iguanas have established invasive populations in southern Florida, the Cayman Islands, and several other warm regions outside their native range. Most originate from escaped or released pets. In Florida, iguanas eat ornamental plants, dig burrows that damage seawalls and infrastructure, and have become a major nuisance species.

Cold snaps are the only natural population control — iguanas become sluggish or comatose below 10 °C, and Florida news reports of “frozen iguanas falling from trees” during winter cold spells are a recurring phenomenon.

A traditional food

In many Central American countries, iguana has been eaten for thousands of years. Mayan and other indigenous cuisines feature iguana stew, roasted iguana, and iguana eggs. The meat is sometimes called “tree chicken.” Modern iguana farms in Central America and Mexico raise them sustainably for both pet trade and meat.

Eye-catching threat displays

A male iguana threatened by a rival or predator unfolds his dewlap — a fan of skin under the throat — and bobs his head rapidly. The display makes the iguana appear larger and signals readiness to fight. Pet iguanas often perform the display when their owners enter a room, recognizing humans as potential threats or rivals.