Iguana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids IguanaTemporal range: Holocene - Recent
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| A green iguana (Iguana iguana) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Iguanidae |
| Genus: | Iguana Laurenti, 1768 |
| Type species | |
| Iguana iguana Linnaeus, 1758
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An Iguana is a type of lizard. These amazing reptiles live in warm, tropical places. You can find them in Central and South America, and also in the Caribbean islands.
There are only two main species (types) of Iguana. They are the Green Iguana and the Lesser Antillean Iguana.
The name "iguana" comes from the original Taino word for this animal, which was iwana. Sometimes, people even keep iguanas as pets!
Iguanas are often hard to see in nature. Their colors help them blend in with their surroundings. This helps them hide from animals that might try to eat them.
Contents
What Do Iguanas Look Like?
Both types of iguanas have some special features. They have a loose flap of skin under their chin called a dewlap. They also have a line of spines that runs from their back all the way down to their tail.
Iguanas have a special "third eye" on top of their head. It's called a parietal eye. It looks like a light-colored scale. This eye can sense changes in light, like if a shadow passes over them.
Behind their neck, they have small scales that look like tiny spikes. These are called tuberculate scales. They also have a big, round scale on their cheek. This is known as a subtympanic shield.
How Iguanas Use Their Senses
Iguanas have excellent eyesight. They can see very far away. They can also see different shapes, shadows, colors, and movements.
An iguana uses its eyes to move through trees and forests. They also use their eyes to find their food. Iguanas even use their eyes to talk to other iguanas!
An iguana's ear is called a tympanum. This is like their eardrum. You can find it right above the subtympanic shield and behind their eye. This part of the iguana is very thin and important for hearing.
What Do Iguanas Eat?
Iguanas are herbivores. This means they only eat plants, like leaves and fruits. To eat tough plant material, they need a strong bite.
Scientists have studied iguana skulls. They found that iguanas have strong jaws. This helps them chew and digest plants well.
Compared to meat-eating or all-eating reptiles, plant-eating lizards like iguanas have taller and wider heads. They also have shorter snouts and bigger bodies. This body shape helps them bite and process plants.
The teeth of the Green Iguana are special. They sit right on the surface of their jawbone. This is called acrodontal placement. Their teeth are small and have jagged edges. These teeth are perfect for grabbing and cutting through food.
Iguanas as Food
For a long time, iguanas have been part of the food traditions in Mexico and Central America. People also eat iguana meat in some parts of the United States and Puerto Rico.
In some areas of Latin America, like Nicaragua and Colombia, people also eat iguana eggs.
Images for kids
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A male green iguana
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Green iguana skull and teeth. Their teeth sit on the surface of the jawbone.
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See also
In Spanish: Iguanas verdaderas para niños
