Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) by Ronald Pol

About "Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)"

by Ronald Pol

About the artwork

The Green Iguana is a large, striking lizard known for its bright green to grey-green coloration and impressive body length, which can reach up to 2 meters, including its long, muscular tail. This iguana features a distinctive crest of spines along its back and a dewlap, or loose fold of skin, under its throat.

The Green Iguana is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, from Mexico to Paraguay and Brazil. It primarily inhabits dense rainforests, often near water sources like rivers and swamps. Green iguanas are arboreal and spend most of their time in trees, where they can climb as high as 20 meters. They are excellent swimmers and will sometimes leap from great heights into the water to escape predators.

Green Iguanas are herbivores, feeding mainly on leaves, flowers, and fruits from trees and shrubs. Young iguanas may occasionally consume insects, but as they grow older, they switch to a completely plant-based diet.

Green iguanas are diurnal and exhibit territorial behavior, especially the males. They communicate through head-bobbing and by expanding the dewlap under their throat. During the breeding season, females lay up to 40 eggs in underground nests. These iguanas are popular as pets, but they require special care due to their large size and specific environmental needs. In the wild, they play an important role in seed dispersal by eating fruit.