Iguanas
Green iguanas originate from the rain forests of northern Mexico to southeastern Brazil where the temperatures and humidity are high. Iguanas live in the trees and bask in the sun. They eat only vegetation: up to 50 different kinds of leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their captive environment must duplicate this as much as possible.
Green iguanas are egg layers. Like many turtles, the eggs are buried in the sand by the mother and once the eggs hatch, the hatchlings are on their own. They can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh 18 pounds. With proper care, they may live 15 years or more.
Iguanas are cold-blooded and require supplemental heat for proper digestion. They prefer 84-90°F during the day and 70-77° at night. If a reptile is cold, it cannot properly digest its food and is more likely to become ill.
Environment, especially temperature can influence the color of an iguana. Iguanas tend to become darker if they are cold. The darker color helps them absorb more heat. Color change in response to temperature is called "physiological thermoregulation." In addition to the darker color, an iguana may develop dark, wavy lines on its head or body if it becomes chilled.
By Dina Reyes, Step 10.
