Iguana.html



Iguana
Green Iguana Iguana iguana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Order: Squamata Suborder: Iguania Family: Iguanidae Genus: Iguana Laurenti, 1768
Species
Lesser Antillean Iguana, I. delicatissima Green Iguana, I. iguana

Iguana is a genus of lizard native to tropical areas of Central and South America and the Caribbean first described by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena in 1768. The genus Iguana includes two species: the green iguana (a popular pet) and the lesser Antillean iguana.

The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original Taino name for the species "Iwana".¹

Physical characteristics

The two species of lizard within the genus Iguana possess a dewlap, a row of spines running down their back to their tail, and a third eye on their head. This eye is known as the parietal eye, which looks just like a pale scale on the top of their head. Behind their neck are small scales which resemble spikes, known as tuberculate scales. They also have a large round scale on their cheek known as a subtympanic shield.

Sight

Iguanas have excellent vision and are able to see shapes, shadows, color and movement at long distances. Iguanas use their eyes to navigate through crowded forests, as well as for finding food. They also use visual signals to communicate with members of the same species.

They respond to visual stimulus of colors such as orange and yellow as food substances.

Hearing

An iguana's ear is known as the tympanum. It is the iguana's ear drum, and is located right above the subtympanic shield and behind the eye. This is a very thin and delicate part of the iguana, and crucial to their hearing.

Gallery

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Iguana

A green iguana (Iguana iguana)

This is a green iguana kept as a pet.

This is a lesser Antillean iguana kept at a zoo.

A green iguana (Iguana iguana)

References