Perhaps no other group of modern lizards has such a variety of life forms and associated differences in body structure as iguanas. Among them we find many forest, shrub, mountain, rocky, desert, steppe and semi-aquatic species that have well-defined features of specialization. A common feature For all iguanas, pleurodont teeth are very different in shape, attached to the inner side of the jaws, and therefore on the lower jaw a highly elongated lamellar bone reaches a special development. As a rule, teeth are also present on the pterygoids, and in some cases on the palatine bones. The size and shape of the teeth largely depend on the nature of the diet. In herbivorous species they are multivertexed and noticeably laterally compressed; in those that feed mainly on ants or termites 
mi - blunted, without additional peaks, and in lizards that eat hard insects, the teeth are pointed in the form of a needle. A broken or fallen tooth is replaced with a new one, and this change continues throughout the lizard’s life.
Iguanas have fully developed eyes with movable eyelids; in some species, the lower eyelid is equipped with a transparent window, allowing the lizard to see clearly with its eyes closed. Perhaps such a window acts as a “sunglass”, reducing the brightness of the light. Based on the shape and structure of the body, iguanas can be divided into two main types, connected by intermediate transitions. The first of them is characterized by a relatively high, laterally compressed body, turning into a long tail, noticeably flattened laterally. This form is typical mainly for tree species and finds its extreme expression among representatives of the South American genus Polychrus, who spend almost their entire lives in the crowns of trees. Lizards of the second type have a more or less disc-shaped flattened body and, with some exceptions, live on the ground.
The largest members of the family, for example the South American Iguana iguana, reach almost two meters in length, while the size of the small North American Uma inornata does not exceed 10-12 cm.
The head of iguanas is usually covered with numerous irregularly shaped scutes, while the back is covered with extremely varied scales, often transformed into various kinds of horny spines, teeth, tubercles and others. similar formations. Many species also develop various skin growths and folds on their bodies, often very bizarre in shape. Representatives of some genera are characterized by a more or less high jagged crest running along the back and continuing on the tail, usually more pronounced in males. The well-developed legs of iguanas are in all cases equipped with five fingers ending in claws, which in arboreal forms often reach a considerable length. In representatives of the genus Anolis, the fingers, like those of geckos, are expanded from below into special attachment plates with transverse rows of tiny tenacious brushes that help the animal hold on and move along smooth vertical surfaces. In some desert species, the toes are equipped on the sides with “sand skis” - scallops of elongated horny teeth.
The coloring of iguanas is very diverse. Tree species that spend most of their time among the foliage are usually green in color, and their pattern often resembles the cross-veins of leaves, as in the South American Polychrus marmoratus. Desert and cliff-dwelling iguanas are colored to match surrounding area, and this coloring is subject to significant variability even among individuals of the same species and depends on the nature of the soil on which they live. Many are able to quickly change color depending on temperature or light brightness. This ability is especially strongly developed in some tree iguanas of the genus Anolis, which therefore received the name American chameleons.
At the end of the last century, the traditional zoological system of the reptile class became the subject of serious discussions and changes. This was facilitated by the acquisition of extensive new material: paleontological finds, results of using the latest morphological and biochemical techniques, descriptions of taxa new to science. After all, only in the last decade of the 20th century. 698 new species and 170 subspecies of reptiles “appeared”! And this despite the fact that the class includes only 7 thousand species! All this led to a profound revision of long-established ideas about the phylogenetic relationships of reptiles and the very structure of the class. The most striking examples are the “withdrawal” of turtles beyond the boundaries of a single phylogenetic group of reptiles, the “loss” of the status of a suborder equivalent to lizards by snakes, and the division of the family of iguana lizards into a number of new families*.
This last change seems particularly revolutionary. Well, who doesn't know iguanas? This is an extensive family - more than fifty genera and more than half a thousand species - whose representatives inhabit both Americas and, as an amazing biogeographical phenomenon, the island of Madagascar. A striking example of evolutionary and ecological similarity: the family of agamas lizards in the Old World and iguanas in the New. And iguanas are the brightest lizards in zoo terrariums and the most “friendly” domestic reptiles.
And now there are “no iguanas left” in their former understanding. What happened? North American herpetologists conducted large-scale research the main representatives of the iguana family in comparison with lizards of other families. In this case, 147 very different characteristics used in taxonomy were used: skeletal structure, dental system, muscles, scaly cover, genitals, etc. The conclusion is clear: iguanas in their previous understanding are not a phylogenetically unified group (i.e., they do not descend from a common ancestor) and should be divided into 8 independent families. Subsequently, these conclusions were confirmed and refined by the results of molecular genetic analysis. According to the latest research, it is proposed to divide the former family of iguanas into 11 independent families. Which ones exactly?
Family with name Iguanidae – Iguanaceae, including iguanas themselves, has been preserved. Only it has now become quite small - only 25 species, united in 8 genera. Iguanas are widespread in tropical and subtropical America, from the southwestern United States to southern Brazil and Paraguay. Among them are the largest and most well-known lizards.
First of all, of course, representatives of the iguana genus itself ( Iguana). The most famous of them is ordinary, or green, iguana (I.Iguana). This is exactly the huge (it can reach 2 meters in length) luxurious green lizard with a terrifying muzzle and a fantastic crest that we often see on screens. And not only in educational films about nature, but also in documentaries - since common iguanas are increasingly kept as pets and walked like dogs. And also in science fiction and adventure films - the appearance of these reptiles is very unusual, dragon-like.
In nature, iguanas themselves lead wood image life and usually stay on branches above the water, into which they dive when in danger. They feed mainly on fruits and juicy greens, but occasionally they also eat small animals. When defending themselves, they can bite hard, but in captivity they quickly get used to humans. The meat of these iguanas is considered a delicacy, and hunting for them by the local population is the main reason for the rapid disappearance of these wonderful lizards.
Perhaps no less famous is another genus of this family - marine iguanas. It includes the only kind, marine iguana(Amblyrhynchus cristatus) – this is exactly the one giant lizard who lives on Galapagos Islands and attracts so much close attention natural geographers since Darwin. She is famous for living in herds, like seals; that her males have real harems; that these iguanas are perfectly adapted to swimming in the ocean and feed on seaweed.
On the Galapagos Islands there are two species of another genus of the iguana family - conolophans(Conolophus). These are also very large lizards - more than 1 m long, but they are land-dwelling. And they are also predominantly herbivores, and willingly eat local cacti - prickly pears.
Similar to them cyclures (Cyclura). They are also found on the islands, only on the opposite side of America - in the West Indies. These are huge lizards with fantastic heads, decorated with various folds, horns, and shields. And they also eat cacti.
Of the large representatives of the family, it should be mentioned spiny-tailed iguanas(Ctenosauria), living in the southern part of North America. Most often you hear about black iguana(Ctenosauria acanthura), reaching a length of 130 cm. Its meat and eggs are valued by gourmets.
Smaller desert iguanas are species of the genus Sauromalus from the southern USA and Mexico. Of these, the most famous Chuckwalla(S.obesus), which is sometimes kept in terrariums.
Finally, two more remarkable species of iguanas themselves, united in the genus Fijian iguanas(Brachylopus). And they are remarkable mainly because, as their name suggests, they live not in America, but in Oceania, on the islands of Fiji and Tonga. There is a hypothesis that thousands of years ago their ancestors accidentally got here on natural plant rafts.
One of the most famous and largest genus of the former iguana family is anolis(Anolis) family is now enabled Leiosauridae. These lizards are found in South America, as well as in southern North America and the Caribbean islands. Anoles are the most widespread representatives of the new family - there are approximately 200 species. They are predominantly small, slender arboreal lizards. Anoles are famous for their colorful colors, which can change noticeably depending on the state of the lizard, and sophisticated forms of social behavior. Male anoles are strictly territorial and constantly mark their areas with a stereotypical series of signal movements of the head and paws, and when they meet each other they engage in ritual fights. Like geckos, anoles have prehensile feet with widened toes and pads of tiny projections, thanks to which the lizard can hold on to a smooth surface.
Another famous family families – American chameleons. There is only one species found in Cuba - Cuban chameleolis(Chamaeleolis chamaeleontides). It received this name not by chance - this “former iguana” really looks like a chameleon: a body flattened on the sides, a helmet-like growth on the head, and a prehensile tail.
Its family name Polychridae derived from little-known South American arboreal lizards of the genus Polychrus. They constantly live in the crowns of trees, they have a laterally flattened body and tail, as well as a color that imitates the color and pattern of leaves. Ecologically and in habits, they are close to anoles, but studies at the molecular genetic level have shown that these two groups of lizards are very distant from each other.
One more good famous group iguana lizards - small, highly specialized desert species, common in North America from Canada to Panama - allocated to the family Phrynosomatidae . The most famous of its representatives, of course, toad lizards (Phrynosoma). These small desert inhabitants are not at all like the usual slender and nimble lizards. They are heavyset, short-bodied, short-tailed and round-headed. Their body is disc-shaped and flattened and does not bend at all when running. There are many spike-like projections on their scales, and they often have quite large horns on their heads (hence another name for them - horned lizards). A wide lizard bristling with spines and horns is an inconvenient prey for snakes. And this saves small and slow toads. Toad lizards have many wonderful qualities. They can quickly bury themselves in loose sand, vibrating their whole body. They scare away enemies by greatly inflating their body and releasing air from their mouth with a whistle. Raindrops are collected by flattening the body and bending it so that the moisture special system microcapillaries of the skin themselves flow to the corners of the mouth. Some species are capable of squirting droplets of blood from the corners of their eyes (although it is not entirely clear why they need this).
They are also very prolific: one female can lay up to 40 eggs at once. There are also viviparous species among them - a rare event among iguana lizards. In our country, toadweeds are especially famous because they represent amazing example external - ecological and behavioral - similarity with the agamid lizards found in our deserts - round-headed lizards**.
Along with toadbirds, the new family also includes such desert lizards as Holbrookia, Sceloporus, Uma, Uta. All of them are common in North American deserts and therefore have been especially well studied by zoologists. Many of them are permanent model species of modern ecological and ethological scientific work.
Quite a small family Corytophanidae cannot go unnoticed, since one of the three genera included in it is basilisks(Basiliscus). These are simply fantastic large arboreal lizards with a large helmet-like growth on the back of the head and a high crest on the back and tail. This ridge is supported by special processes of the vertebrae. The basilisk is famous not only for its unusual appearance, but also unique ability run on your hind legs, not only on land, but also on the surface of the water! In addition, he swims well and climbs trees.
Family Liolaemidae unites more than fifty species from the south of the South American continent. Among them there are amazing high-mountain lizards, active at temperatures just above 0 0C. Accordingly, they have a very highly developed ability to thermoregulate. Such species give birth to live young (and pregnancy lasts up to 10 months), and the young after this remain near the mother for a long time (which is completely uncharacteristic for lizards).
There are only two genera and seven species in the family Crotaphydae – These lizards are found in the southern United States and Mexico and are distinguished by their very bright colors and intricate variegated patterns. To a new family Hoplocercidae included a few and little-known South American iguana lizards leading a burrowing lifestyle. Another small family - Opluridae - remarkable in that of the former iguanas it included only the legendary Madagascar species. In the family Tropiduridae (central South America) and Leiocephalidae (Caribbean) includes species that are very rarely mentioned in general zoological literature.
The ongoing revision of family relationships in the group of iguana lizards changes not only the taxonomic affiliation of certain species and groups within the former family of iguanas. The taxonomic structure of the order of squamate reptiles as a whole is also significantly transformed. After all, even just the number of lizard families almost doubles! But so far all these changes are far from final. Changes in the taxonomy of iguanas are actively discussed in the scientific press. It is characteristic that American zoologists in their publications have already almost completely switched to the system of new families of iguana lizards, while European zoologists still adhere to the previous nomenclature. And, of course, the new system of North American iguanas has not yet entered the textbooks.
* All these innovations, although recognized by leading experts, are still at the level of scientific discussions and have not yet led to a change in the classical reptile system. – Approx. auto
** For more information about toad-like lizards, see Biology, No. 48/2000. – Editor's note
Lives in South America and Central America. Body length up to 1.5 m, weight up to 8 kg. The color of the body varies depending on the habitat; they can be gray-green, or gray-blue, black, red, orange, lilac-pink. The color is characterized by a metallic sheen; dark spots may be present. They have excellent camouflage. The body is covered with scales, the head with scutes. The iguana has a thin body with a long tail, a throat pouch, and a longitudinal ridge along its back. This comb is not just a decoration, it helps to scare away enemies. Having sharp claws on short limbs, she deftly climbs trees, holding on to the bark with their help. Each paw has five toes. The pouch on the throat performs the function of thermoregulation of the animal. Her vision is good, her hearing is excellent, she picks up the slightest noise.
Lizards have taken root in bushes, mangrove forests, wet forests. They also feel good in open rocky places, but always close to water. They can swim in water, moving through it with the help of their tail. Almost their entire life is spent in trees and they are active during the day. They climb higher branches to receive the warmth of the sun's rays and warm the body, receiving the necessary energy. Having stocked up on vitamin D, the iguana goes in search of food. It feeds on plant foods: fruits, leaves, flowers and shoots. With sharp small teeth he bites off the delicacy and swallows it, because he cannot chew. They rarely drink water. In the evening, on the contrary, they descend to the lower branches to retain heat. If the air temperature drops significantly, they completely move to the ground, where they sleep. The optimal living temperature for it is +30 0.
The lizard has many enemies, including foxes, crocodiles and birds of prey. Then there are several ways to protect yourself: 1) hide and remain invisible, 2) run away, 3) jump into the water and swim away. If, nevertheless, it had to face an enemy, the iguana inflates its body, sticking its throat sac forward, and hisses loudly. Can lunge at an opponent and bite, hit with its tail and even scratch an opponent.
The mating season begins in January. Males quickly select a certain territory and mark it. Fights between suitors rarely occur; usually, a male who has looked into someone else's territory leaves after warning poses from the owner. The female's pregnancy lasts 65 days. She goes upstream of the river, where she digs a hole 45-100 cm deep in the sand on the dune. The iguana lays eggs in it for three days. Sometimes this process lasts more than three days. In total, she will lay 20 - 70 eggs in a white leathery shell. Then, having carefully buried the clutch, it will go back to its habitat. Will not take part in the protection or upbringing of offspring. After 2 - 3 months, the cubs appear. They come to the surface on their own and lead an independent life. The young individuals will spend the year together.
In the wild they live for 8 years.
Class -
Perhaps no other group of modern lizards has such a variety of life forms and associated differences in body structure as iguanas. Among them we find many forest, shrub, mountain, rocky, desert, steppe and semi-aquatic species that have well-defined features of specialization. A common feature for all iguanas is the pleurodont teeth, which are very different in shape, attached to the inside of the jaws, and therefore the highly elongated lamellar bone reaches a special development in the lower jaw. As a rule, teeth are also present on the pterygoids, and in some cases on the palatine bones. The size and shape of the teeth largely depend on the nature of the diet. In herbivorous species, they are multi-vertexed and noticeably compressed laterally; in those that feed mainly on ants or termites, they are blunted, without additional vertices, and in lizards that eat solid insects, the teeth are pointed in the form of a needle. A broken or fallen tooth is replaced with a new one, and this change continues throughout the lizard’s life.
Iguanas have fully developed eyes with movable eyelids; in some species, the lower eyelid is equipped with a transparent window, allowing the lizard to see clearly with its eyes closed. Perhaps such a window acts as a “sunglass”, reducing the brightness of the light.
Based on the shape and structure of the body, iguanas can be divided into two main types, connected by intermediate transitions. The first of them is characterized by a relatively high, laterally compressed body, turning into a long tail, noticeably flattened laterally. This form is characteristic primarily of arboreal species and finds its extreme expression in representatives of the South American genus Polychrus, which spend almost their entire lives in the crowns of trees. Lizards of the second type have a more or less disc-shaped flattened body and, with some exceptions, live on the ground.
The largest members of the family, for example the South American Iguana iguana, reach almost two meters in length, while the size of the small North American Uma inornata does not exceed 10-12 cm.
The head of iguanas is usually covered with numerous irregularly shaped scutes, while the back is covered with extremely varied scales, often transformed into various kinds of horny spines, teeth, tubercles and other similar formations. Many species also develop various skin growths and folds on their bodies, often very bizarre in shape. Representatives of some genera are characterized by a more or less high jagged crest running along the back and continuing on the tail, usually more pronounced in males. The well-developed legs of iguanas are in all cases equipped with five fingers ending in claws, which in arboreal forms often reach a considerable length. In representatives of the genus Anolis, the toes, like those of geckos, are expanded from below into special attachment plates with transverse rows of tiny tenacious brushes that help the animal hold on and move along smooth vertical surfaces. In some desert species, the toes are equipped on the sides with “sand skis” - scallops of elongated horny teeth.
The coloring of iguanas is very diverse. Tree species that spend most of their time among foliage are usually green in color, and their pattern often resembles the cross-veins of leaves, as in the South American Polychrus marmoratus. Desert and cliff-dwelling iguanas are colored to match the color of the surrounding area, and this coloring is subject to significant variability even among individuals of the same species and depends on the nature of the soil on which they live. Many are able to quickly change color depending on temperature or light brightness. This ability is especially strongly developed in some tree iguanas of the genus Anolis, which therefore received the name American chameleons.
In many species, males, especially during the breeding season, are much brighter colored than females.
It has long been noted that iguanas are very similar to lizards of the agamas family, common in the eastern hemisphere. Among the representatives of both families there are entire genera and individual species, surprisingly reminiscent of each other both in appearance and in lifestyle.
Most iguanas are very active lizards. Tree species thanks long legs with tenacious clawed fingers, they quickly run along the trunks and branches of trees and make rapid jumps from branch to branch. Representatives of the genera Xiphocercus and Chamaeleolis, found in the Antilles, have a prehensile tail that helps them stay on branches. All terrestrial species They are good runners, with some capable of running considerable distances on their hind legs at high speed. Found in Cuba land iguana Anolis vermiculatus, living along the banks of streams, plunges into the water in case of danger and hides there under stones. A few desert forms, for example representatives of the North American genus Uma, can sink into quick sand and move quite quickly - “swim” - under its surface. Semi-aqueous forms, such as marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus swim and dive well, using a strong paddle-shaped flattened tail to move in the water.
True burrowing species among iguanas are few in number, and only a few of them, like the Brazilian Hoplocercus spinosus, dig rather long burrows with their claws, in which they hide from enemies and bad weather. Other iguanas use burrows of rodents or other animals for this purpose.
Most iguanas are predators, feeding on insects, spiders, centipedes, worms, etc. Some, larger ones, also eat small vertebrates, mainly lizards. Only relatively few species, such as common iguana(Iguana iguana), as adults they feed almost exclusively on plant foods. desert iguana(Dipsosaurus dorsalis), along with the plants that make up its main diet, also eats insects and small lizards. Some exhibit a narrow dietary specialization, feeding almost exclusively on ants, such as toad lizards (Phrynosoma), or seaweed, like the marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus).
The behavior of iguanas is extremely characterized by a peculiar shaking of the head from top to bottom, usually produced during some kind of excitement, for example, during fights of males with each other, when protecting a site, meeting an enemy, etc. According to the nature of these movements, different individuals of the same species, so just like lizards of different sexes, they are able to distinguish each other at a distance.
The vast majority of iguanas reproduce by laying eggs, the number of which ranges from 1-2 (in some anoles) to 35 or more (in toad-like lizards). Eggs are laid in the ground, which is also typical for arboreal species, descending from trees to do this. Relatively few iguanas are oviparous. Ovoviviparity is associated with life in harsh climatic conditions, for example in the mountains, as in representatives of the genus Liolaemus.
The meat and eggs of large iguanas are eaten, and the skin is used for production. various crafts. In the United States and Mexico, many species of these lizards are protected by law.
The family includes about 50 genera and over 700 species, distributed almost exclusively in the Western Hemisphere, from Southern Canada in the north to Southern Argentina in the south, including some islands off the coast of South and North America.
Only a few representatives of the genera Chalarodon and Oplurus are found off the coast of Africa in Madagascar, and the only species of the genus Brachylophus is found on the islands of Fiji and Tonga (Polynesia).
One of the most common and widespread groups of iguanas are the numerous species of the genus Anolis. Most of them are characterized by a triangular head widened at the rear, a slender body moderately compressed laterally with four well-developed legs, of which the hind ones are noticeably longer than the front ones, and a long, gradually thinning tail. The body is covered with small, uniform scales, among which there is often a low ridge of larger triangular scales along the ridge and upper side of the tail. In the males of many species, the overgrown skin of the throat sags in the form of a fan-shaped throat pouch supported by rod-shaped cartilages. A distinctive feature of the genus is also the presence on the underside of the fingers of expanded plates with transverse rows of attachment brushes, covered with tiny hook-shaped hairs. Therefore, anoles, like geckos, are easily supported on smooth vertical surfaces, in particular on leaves. Most species do not exceed 10-20 cm in length, and only a few reach 45 cm or more. The color of anoles is extremely variable. As a rule, it is dominated by brownish and green tones, however, when the animal is excited, as well as under the influence of temperature and lighting, the color can change amazingly quickly, successively acquiring all tones from dark brown to bright green. In many species, the throat sac is especially brightly colored, the color of which is dominated by yellow, orange or red tones, and in some cases there is a bright blue spot against a general reddish-yellow background.
Majority anoles leads an arboreal lifestyle, and only a few stay on the ground. Many, like geckos, settle on the walls of buildings and in human dwellings. Each male usually has a relatively small hunting area, which he energetically defends against other individuals, engaging in fights with numerous neighbors if they appear in the occupied territory. It should be noted that anoles are much more intolerant of each other than other iguanas, which is especially reflected in the behavior of males, who are rarely seen without a fight. This remark, borrowed from Darwin, applies to one of the South American species, but it can equally be applied to most of the other representatives of the genus.
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Anoles feed on various insects and small invertebrates, which they grab with amazing dexterity on the leaves and branches of trees, and sometimes in the air, making rapid and precise jumps. All anoles are oviparous. They lay 1-6 eggs in the ground, less often in a hollow or in dense clusters of bromeliads that settle in the forks of tree trunks.
About 200 species of this genus - almost a third of all known iguanas - are widespread mainly in Central America, as far south as southern Brazil, and only two species are found in the United States, reaching as far north as North Carolina.
Bright, changeable colors, endless fuss and tireless fights started by anoles in the crowns of trees, on hedges, in bushes and on the walls of buildings, constantly attract human attention and make these lizards one of the attractions of the animal world of the American tropics.
One of the most famous species of the genus is North American red-throated anole(Anolis carolinensis). Coloring it in highest degree variable: all stages of transition from yellow and bright brown to bright green above and brown or silver can be observed white below. The strongly developed throat sac of males is bright red. The red-throated anole is a small lizard, reaching 20-25 cm including its tail.
During the breeding season, brightly colored green males, inflating their protruding red throat sac and strongly squeezing their body from the sides, flaunt their outfit, engaging in fierce fights when they meet. At first, they slowly circle in place for some time, trying to keep their side to the enemy and opening their mouths to intimidate. Then, taking off from their place, they rush towards each other and, clinging into a ball, soon roll off the branch onto the ground, where they scatter to the sides or, returning to the previous battlefield, continue the battle. More often, however, after the first fight, the weaker male takes flight, often losing his tail and bleeding. There are cases when such tournaments even ended in the death of one of the opponents.
In June - July, the female, descending from the tree, digs a shallow hole with her front legs, into which she lays 1-2 eggs, covering them with loose soil. The young hatch after 6-7 weeks and, having climbed to the surface, immediately climb trees, where at first they stay together, separately from the adults.
From others numerous types we note this genus found in Cuba anole a-knight(Anolis equestris), which is unusually large for these lizards, reaching almost half a meter in length, two-thirds of which is the tail.
Brazilian leaf-nosed anole(A. phyllorhinus) is interesting in that it has a flat scaly outgrowth at the end of its snout that protrudes far forward, giving it a very unusual appearance for these lizards.
Close to anoles genus of false chameleons represented by the only Cuban species (Chamaeleolis chamaleontides), which truly resembles chameleons not only in the variability of its color, but also in the shape of the head, eyes and prehensile tail.
Representatives kind of basilisks(Basiliscus) are well distinguished in appearance from other iguanas by the presence of peculiar leathery decorations in males, giving them an unusual and even some kind of fairy-tale appearance. There are quite a few of these on the back of the head large lizards there is a large, backward-directed skin outgrowth located like a flat helmet, and along the back and the front third of the long paddle-shaped tail there is a high leathery ridge supported by highly developed spinous processes of the vertebrae. On the outer surface of the hind toes of both males and females there is a scaly border. Four known species inhabit the countries of Central America, living in thickets along the banks of tropical rivers. Found in Panama and Costa Rica helmed basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus), reaching 80 cm in length, like other species of this genus, swims and dives excellently, and has a remarkable ability to run through the water, keeping its body on the surface by quickly alternating kicks of its hind legs. An excellent description of a basilisk running on water is given by the American zoologist A. Carr: “It was a basilisk - green, like lettuce, with bright eyes, a male about fourteen inches long... having lost his balance, he fell like a stone into the black river, immediately plunged into water, but a moment later he found himself on the surface and ran through the water. He carried his forepaws in front of him, his tail curved upward, and with his hind paws he thrashed the surface of the water at the speed of a machine gun. The speed of the spanking was so significant that the lizard did not drown. Before we had time to figure out how he did it, the basilisk reached land, climbed onto the shore and darted through the branches ... "
In the same way, relying only on their hind legs, basilisks are able to run quickly on land, at times even flying some distance through the air at high speed.
At the Mexican striped basilisk(Basiliscus vittatus) at the end of April - beginning of May, females lay 12-18 eggs, burying them in a hole somewhere at the roots of trees or in bushes.
Among the most distinctive South American lizards are the iguanas of the genus Liolaemus, of which about 50 species are widely distributed from Peru in the north to Chile and Argentina in the south. Peruvian changeable iguana(Liolaemus multiformis) is perhaps the only South American species that lives in a harsh mountain climate at altitudes up to 5000 m above sea level. On the high plateaus in the Cordillera, where this small lizard lives, even in summer months Snow often falls and the temperature on the soil surface drops to almost zero at night. Life in conditions so unusual for reptiles is possible only thanks to the ability this species has developed to crawl at a body temperature of only about 1.5° above zero, which is completely unthinkable for all other lizards, which lose mobility at much higher temperatures. Slowly crawling out of their holes, iguanas reach sunlit areas of the soil and beyond a short time heat up to 35-37°, and the difference between the temperature of the body and the surrounding air is sometimes 30° or more.
They feed on both insects, which are rare at such altitudes, and succulent parts of plants. Like many mountain reptiles, iguanas of this species are ovoviviparous. Approximately six months after mating occurs in April, in September - December, the female gives birth to 1-10 young. Thanks to such a long incubation period Newborn iguanas are born at the most climatically favorable time of year.
Several North American species desert iguanas The genus Crotaphitus is distinguished by its beauty and brightness of color. In C. collaris, which is common in the southwestern United States and adjacent areas of Mexico, males are yellowish, light orange or greenish-gray on top with small light eyes and five to six faint, lighter narrow transverse stripes. At the level of the front paws, not reaching the middle of the back, on each side of the body there is a bright black transverse collar, trimmed with whitish or yellowish lines. The head is light gray or whitish on top with small dark spots scattered in disorder. The front legs are bright blue-green, the hind legs are bluish-gray with light spots.
It is characteristic that, depending on the direction of the incident light, the overall color of the body can change noticeably, similar to what happens on the wings of some bright daytime butterflies.
Other species of this genus are equally brightly colored.
The largest group of North American lizards are fence, or spiny, iguanas genus Sceloporus. All of them are characterized by a blunt head, widened at the back, a rounded, stocky body and a cylindrical, gradually tapering tail. Their relatively large ribbed scales on the loosely adjacent posterior edge are equipped with more or less upturned spines, especially pronounced on the tail. These small and medium-sized lizards are colored very differently. Some have a rather variegated coloration with an admixture, especially in males, of bright metallic tones, others, on the contrary, are modestly colored, and most species have a highly variable pattern on the back and sides of regularly located transverse and longitudinal lines and stripes.
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One of the particularly beautiful and at the same time largest species - reaching more than half a meter in length - Sceloporus clarki - is distinguished by its magnificent greenish-blue coloring of the underside of the body and hind legs and metallic blue scales of the sides. Another species, Sceloporus magister, has bright spots across its brownish-gray back. yellow spots, and on the blue sides there is a row of large bright blue eyes. Spiny iguanas inhabit very diverse, often dry places, found both in open rocky semi-deserts and on rocks and in bushes in forests. They also settle in fences made of stones and thorny bushes, which is where their widespread name comes from - fence iguanas. Spiny iguanas, to a greater extent than other members of the family, have a developed manner of quickly nodding their heads, which is accompanied by a simultaneous squatting on the front legs. The frequency and sequence of such bows varies greatly among species, which is important hallmark, by which individuals of the same species can recognize each other at a distance. Their food consists mainly of insects and other invertebrate animals, but some diversify their diet with seeds and leaves of plants, and especially large ones also eat small lizards.
During the breeding season, males display brightly colored bodies, displaying luxurious blue-green stripes and ocelli on their sides. When meeting, they raise their body high legs outstretched and, slowly stepping, sideways approach each other until the weaker “nerves can’t stand it” and he takes flight.
Most members of the genus are oviparous, but some give birth to live young. Thus, in one of the most common species - Sceloporus undulatus - the female lays up to 17 eggs from June to August, from which young ones hatch after 2-2.5 months. In the mountain species Sceloporus grammicus, 3-12 young are born in April after 5-6 months of development. About 54 species of these lizards are widely distributed in North America, mainly in Mexico and the southern United States.
Among the few iguanas that have adapted to life on shifting sands are several species of the North American genus Uma. These lizards have a wedge-shaped head with a noticeably shortened lower jaw, a wide flattened body, and horny ridges along the edges of their long toes that prevent their feet from sinking into loose sand.
Fleeing from persecution, sand iguanas literally dive head first into the sand before our eyes and move for some time under its surface. The nasal passages are tightly clamped with special valves, and the fringed edges of the thick eyelids protect the eyes from clogging with fine sand. The coloring of these lizards also harmonizes well with the sandy surface of the dunes on which they live. So, most normal looking, reaching a length of 23 cm, Uma inor-nata body and tail are covered with a dense network of light gray eyes, sometimes arranged in indistinct longitudinal rows.
The three known species of this genus are found in the sandy deserts of Mexico and California in the southwestern United States.
One of the largest iguanas - marine iguana(Amblyrhynchus cristatus) reaches 140 cm in length, more than half of which is a paddle-shaped tail flattened from the sides. Its body is covered with small ribbed scales, which on the tail transform into large quadrangular keeled scales, located, as on the back, in regular transverse rows. The short and wide head, like a mosaic, is covered with polygonal scales of various sizes, the largest of which are located on the forehead and noticeably thickened in the form of cone-shaped horny tubercles directed forward.
Along the entire back, continuing to the tip of the tail, stretches a low, laterally compressed ridge of elongated triangular scales, especially strongly developed behind the head. The toes of the comparatively short and strong feet of the marine iguana are armed with large curved claws and are connected by a short swimming membrane. Adult animals are brownish-brown, olive-gray or almost black on top with irregularly shaped large blurry spots.
Marine iguanas live only on the Galapagos archipelago off the coast of South America, where they inhabit a narrow coastal strip covered with rocks, without penetrating into the interior of the islands.
The first reliable observations of these reptiles belong to Darwin, who visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 while traveling on the Beagle. “Sometimes one could see,” writes Darwin, “how they swim several hundred paces from the shore, and Captain Colnet assures that they swim out to sea in whole herds for fish or to bask in the sun rays on the rocks. I believe that he is mistaken in defining their purpose, but the fact itself cannot be disputed. In water, the animal swims extremely easily and quickly with the help of serpentine movements of the body and a flat tail, without using at all, however, its legs, which are pressed tightly to the sides and remain motionless... I opened the stomachs of many of them and each time I found them filled with chewed sea fish algae growing in the form of thin leaf-shaped plates. As far as I remember, these algae have never been found in significant quantities on the coastal rocks, and I have reason to think that they grow at a short distance from the shore on the bottom of the sea. If they are not near the shore, then the reason that forces the animals to go some distance to the sea is understandable.” It has now been established that adult iguanas, when swimming into the sea, actually dive for food, holding on to the bottom with their claws. They bite algae with long, three-pointed teeth, and their teeth act like garden shears. Young lizards, unlike adults, also eat small animals along with plant foods.
Regular feeding of salt-rich seaweed has led to the emergence in these iguanas of a special salt-removing mechanism associated with the function of the so-called nasal glands, the ducts of which open on each side of the head in nasal cavity. Salt dissolved in the blood is absorbed by the glands and is periodically removed in the form of droplets of fluid released from the nose. Excellent swimming and diving, iguanas, in case of danger, nevertheless always try to hide on land, where they have practically no enemies, while in the sea they are often attacked by sharks. According to the latest data from A. Eibel-Eibelfeldt, these lizards live in large herds, consisting of smaller groups of 5-10 females and young individuals, located in close proximity to each other on the shore. At the same time, iguanas often even climb one on top of the other, forming a multi-layered pile. Each group of females forms a “harem”, guarded by an old male, who settles somewhat further away, closer to the water. The male defends the occupied territory from the invasion of rivals and, if one appears, enters into a stubborn fight with him. Both of them, arching their backs, collide their heads, trying to push each other out of the territory.
Iguanas reproduce by laying 1-3 eggs, which the female buries in a shallow hole dug with her front legs in soft sand. Since there are relatively few suitable places for this on the rocky coast, each female, having occupied a suitable area, expels newly arriving rivals from it.
Another species of iguana found exclusively in the Galapagos Islands is conolophans(Conolophus subcristatus) - in appearance it differs from sea lizards in its elongated head, short clumsy body with a weakly defined dorsal crest and a shorter tail, almost round in cross section. In accordance with the terrestrial lifestyle, the shortened fingers of conolophs lack swimming membranes. These iguanas do not exceed 100-110 cm in length, of which about half is a massive tail with a faintly visible longitudinal ridge. Their head is bright lemon-yellow, and the central part of the back is brick-red, and towards the sides this color gradually changes to dark brown. In contrast to the previous species, conolophids are found only on some islands of the Galapagos archipelago, where they live in the humid, elevated areas. parts, and in lower areas near the coast. “I cannot give a better idea of their abundance,” Darwin wrote, “than if I say that on James Island we for a long time could not find a suitable place to pitch a tent, since everything was occupied by their burrows...” Conolophids feed on succulent cacti and do not stray far from their burrows.
Representatives of the South American genus Iguana are characterized by a large tetrahedral head and an elongated body, noticeably flattened laterally, gradually turning into a very long, laterally compressed tail. Along the middle of the back and further to the very tip of the tail there is a well-defined dorsal ridge. Males have a strongly drooping flat throat sac, equipped along the anterior edge with a ridge of serrated scales.
Common in Central America common or green iguana(Iguana iguana) reaches 180 cm in length and is the largest representative of its family. This lizard received its second name for the bright green color of its body, like a leaf, across which there are dark stripes, usually limited by narrow light borders.
Green iguanas lead a predominantly arboreal lifestyle, spending most of their time on tree branches growing along the banks of water bodies. In case of danger, they hide in the water, where they swim and dive excellently, using their long and very strong tail.
They feed mainly on fruits and succulent leaves, although they often also eat insects and other invertebrates.
“If you sail calmly and slowly on a boat,” writes Geldi, who observed green iguanas in Brazil, “you can see them at almost every step. One sits high on the fork of an airy siriuba tree, the other among the magnificent garlands of an Arribidaea bush. A newcomer to these areas will most likely notice large old specimens covered with dark skin. It takes a more experienced eye to distinguish young or recently molted lizards as they sit motionless in their magnificent finery on a cushion of succulent leaves of climbing plants and bask in the sun. Usually they wait until you get close to them, but if they take flight, you have to be surprised at their unexpected agility. The iguana swims and dives expertly, and unless it is mortally wounded, then, having fallen into the water, it usually disappears for the hunter... Since September, female iguanas leave the banks of rivers and go along the streams flowing into them, further inland. From there they move to sandy shallows and dunes, where they dig shallow holes and lay eggs in them, then covering them with sand and leveling the laying site remarkably well... The clutch contains 12-18, at most 24 eggs... they have the shape of a wide ellipsoid. Their white shell is quite soft and yields under the slightest finger pressure. Nevertheless, it is very durable, and can be cut immediately only with a sharply sharpened knife.”
Several females can lay their eggs in one common nest, where sometimes several dozen of them were found. The meat of iguanas, as well as their eggs, is widely consumed by the local population as food, and therefore iguanas are the object of regular fishing. In this case, they usually use specially trained dogs or use other methods of hunting, one of which is described by the modern German geographer and traveler Karl Gelbig: “The Indians know how to hunt leguans without firearms. Everyone had a harpoon with them... This is a stick about three meters long with a hooked tip, strengthened in such a way that, having stuck into something, it immediately separated from the shaft. A long rope is attached to the tip, equipped with a float at the other end. One of the team constantly peered into the trees on the shore - the favorite location of leguans. There they catch insects, pluck young leaves and sleep on the branches, warmed by the sun. Sensing danger, they simply fall into the water... If the leguan lay in such a way that he could easily be hit with a harpoon, then the conversation with him was short... But if it was impossible to use this weapon, then one of the hunters silently climbed onto tree and hit the branch on which the animal was lying with his club... With the swiftness of a cannonball, the leguan fell down, flopped into the water and, it seemed, was gone. But even at the moment when he was falling, another hunter rushed headfirst to the place where the leguan was supposed to dive... In almost all cases, the hunter soon appeared above the water, holding in both hands the smooth tail of a wildly writhing lizard... With a living leguan is not easy to handle; he has enormous strength, and also bites dangerously.”
Large South American lizards of the genus Cyclura differ from true iguanas in the structure of their teeth, a poorly developed throat sac and a less high crest, usually somewhat interrupted in the shoulder and sacral region. Their teeth, unlike those of representatives of the genus Iguana, are not serrated on the cutting edge. Also noteworthy are the sharp spines on the tail, directed to the sides, located on the upper side of every third or fourth row of transverse scales. Cycles lead a predominantly terrestrial lifestyle, living in burrows or, less commonly, tree hollows. Their food consists of stems and leaves herbaceous plants, along with which they willingly eat various animals. The distribution of these iguanas is limited to the Antilles, Bahamas and other smaller islands of the Caribbean. On some of them they are replaced by lizards from the genus Iguana that have recently moved here. Common in Cuba land iguana Cyclura macleayi is brownish-gray or greenish-brown on top with wide transverse brown-olive stripes running along the sides, which turn into regular transverse rings on the tail. Very young specimens have bright white transverse stripes bordered by narrower black stripes on a general bluish-gray background. They reach a length of 130 cm, of which a little more than half is occupied by the tail.
So-called iguana rhinoceros(C. bent), common on the island of San Domingo, differs from the previous species by the presence on the upper side of the muzzle of three large cone-shaped scales, due to which the name of the lizard itself comes from.
Large representatives of iguana lizards also include some spiny-tailed iguanas of the genus Ctenosauria, about 60 species of which are distributed in Honduras, Mexico and the southwestern United States. Along with some really large species this also includes several relatively small lizards, the length of which, including the tail, does not exceed 25-30 cm. The most famous is found in Mexico black iguana(C. acanthura), reaching a length of slightly less than 130 cm. Its eggs and meat are extremely tasty and are consumed by the local population.
TO genus of toad-shaped, or horned, lizards(Phrynosoma) are small land iguanas, distinguished from other members of the family by their flat disc-shaped body, very short tail and the development of more or less long projections on the head, known as horns. Their body is covered with large heterogeneous scales, and individual scales or entire groups of them often bear pointed tubercles of varying sizes or short spines, reaching their maximum development on the tail. A fringe of short triangular teeth usually runs along the entire border between the back and belly, giving the animal an extremely distinctive appearance. The most remarkable feature of these lizards is the horns located on the edges of the head, the size and shape of which vary among different species. Thus, Ph., common in the southwestern United States. mackallii these spines are almost the same length as the head, and in Ph., found mainly in Mexico. ditmarsi they are missing. The color of frynosis varies greatly and is determined by the color of the soil on which they live. Thus, some species living on white saline plains are almost white in color, while those living on dark lava soils are black in color. Found in the forest zone Ph. blainwillii is colored to match the pine needles covering the soil.
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Toad-like lizards inhabit predominantly dry semi-deserts, found on both very rocky and sandy soils with sparse vegetation. Some climb quite high into the mountains, up to 3500 m above sea level. Individual individuals usually occupy very limited habitat areas, which they do not leave throughout their lives. Thus, several specimens of Phrynosoma solare, specially marked by the American zoologist Lowe, did not move further than 40 m from the place of their initial release for 3 years.
Desert species are able to quickly burrow into the sand, in which they spend the night and hide from bad weather. Pressing tightly to the ground, the lizard successively tilts first one or the other side of its flat body and, with a quick reverse movement, throws a small amount of sand onto its back. As a result of a series of such movements quickly following each other, she literally sinks into the sand before her eyes. On particularly loose soil, phrynosomes burrow, moving their heads forward and helping themselves with pushing movements of their hind legs.
When threatened, these lizards usually hide in place, relying on the protective coloration of their bodies. However, some take a peculiar intimidating pose. At the same time, the lizard bristles all over, raising large dorsal scales, opens its mouth wide and makes rather loud whistling sounds, quickly releasing air. At the same time, she rises high on her legs and greatly inflates her body, increasing in size to almost twice its normal size. These iguanas also have the peculiar ability to spray blood from the nose and eyes, which occurs as a result of a sharp increase in blood pressure in the head when the walls of one of the large vessels contract. When the animal is highly excited, streams of blood fly out from the corners of the eyes to a distance of several centimeters. The meaning of this device is not entirely clear.
Phrynosomes feed on small insects and spiders; many of them eat almost exclusively ants, which they capture with rapid movements of their sticky tongue. Most types of egg-soul. Eggs in the amount of 6-37 are usually laid in several portions in April - June.
The duration of development of the young is 2-2.5 months, but in some cases they hatch within a few hours. Ovoviviparity has been established predominantly in mountain species, in particular in the Ph. douglasi, which gives birth to from 9 to 37 young per season. According to the observations of F. Gelbakh, newly born lizards of this species, not exceeding 5 cm in length, are immediately freed from the thin film that covers them and bury themselves in loose sand.
About 20 species of Phrynosoma, with numerous subspecies, are distributed primarily in North America from Southwestern Canada to Guatemala, with most occurring in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Animal life: in 6 volumes. - M.: Enlightenment. Edited by professors N.A. Gladkov, A.V. Mikheev.
1970
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- (Iguanidae) family of lizards from the suborder Crassilinguia. Teeth fused to inner surface jaws, rounded at the root, compressed at the sides and wide at the end; there are almost never fangs; often there are palatal teeth; head... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron Iguanas Galapagos terrestrial iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animals Type: Chordata ... Wikipedia Lizard family. Lengths from a few centimeters to 2 m. About 650 species, including basilisks; predominantly in the Western Hemisphere. Many species lead an arboreal lifestyle. Meat and eggs are edible. 14 species in the IUCN Red List. * * * IGUANAS... ... encyclopedic Dictionary iguanas- Marine iguanas. iguanas (Iguanidae), family of lizards. More than 700 species. Distributed mainly in Central and South America, 5 species in the Eastern Hemisphere. The largest is green I., up to 1.8 m long. The most common anoles are... ... Encyclopedic reference book"Latin America" Iguanas (Iguanidae), a family of reptiles of the order lizards. Unlike representatives of the close family of agamas (See Agamas), the teeth of I. are attached to the inner surface of the jaws. More than 50 genera, including I. itself (Iguana), ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia iguanas- iguanas, iguanas (Iguanidae), family of lizards. Includes about 50 genera (over 700 species). Distributed in Madagascar (7 species), as well as on the islands of Fiji and Tonga. All Madagascan I. are endemic to the island. Iguana (Chalarodon... ... Encyclopedic reference book "Africa"
Iguana- This large sizes a lizard belonging to the class of reptiles. Some species of these animals come in impressive sizes, reaching a length of just under two meters and a weight of 5 to 9 kg.
TO features of the iguana include: scaly skin, as well as rough folds, spines and thorns, and in some cases a sharp ridge on the back, which (as seen in photo of iguana) betrays to lizards exotic look and makes them similar to prehistoric reptiles.
The scales can be very different in size, and the strongest of them cover the head of the lizard. The color of animals depends on the variety, as well as on many other reasons, having the ability to change depending on mood and even health. It can be in dark tones: gray or dark blue, green, as well as brighter shades: reddish orange and brown.
The blue spiny iguana is less than 30 cm long, has white and black stripes on its neck, and its skin is covered with light spots. The iguana is an interesting animal; in addition to its impressive antediluvian appearance, it has many other amazing features.
In the lower eyelid of the reptile there is a transparent window, which allows the iguana to see its surroundings even if the creature closes its eyes. And if an animal loses a tooth for some reason, it can grow a new one in that place. Iguanas have well-developed paws and fingers with claws. The language of many species of these animals is also unique and is capable of analyzing odors.
The blue iguana is considered a very rare species of green
These reptiles are inhabitants of the American continent, but also iguanas live and on some tropical islands, preferring areas with a warm and humid climate.
The varieties of these reptiles are each adapted to their own habitat. For example, the tree-dwelling iguana is equipped with special hooks on its limbs that allow it to freely climb trees.
The sand iguana has adapted by hiding from danger by burying itself in the sand, and at the highest speed. Marine iguana has special nasal glands, with the help of which it gets rid of excess salt in the body. There are also rocky, semi-aquatic, steppe and other types of iguanas.
sand iguana
Character and lifestyle of the iguana
Of the lizard species, the green and sea lizards are the most impressive in size. Green iguana- a huge reptile, considered the largest representative of this species of animal.
It can be distinguished from others by the ridge of spines that runs along the entire length of its body, from head to tail. The life of this animal mainly takes place in the trees, and the lizard descends from them only to fight with its own brothers for the territory, which iguanas defend with great ferocity and tenacity.
But the character of these frightening-looking animals is not always so bad. Iguana lifestyle Quite peaceful, and this creature does not pose much of a threat.
The green iguana is the largest representative of the species
But she has quite insidious enemies. In nature, these can be large and, as well as some species. But the most terrible enemy of these reptiles is man, who exterminates lizards because juicy meat and high-quality leather, which is convenient to use for the manufacture of numerous types of haberdashery accessories and other items that are useful in everyday life and are design elements.
Many species of iguanas are quite shy, and when settling near bodies of water, if even a slight danger arises, they are ready to jump headlong into the water. But some of them are skilled swimmers.
And, diving deep, reptiles are able to survive without air for half an hour. The marine iguana, more than its other relatives, has successfully mastered the aquatic environment, feeling no worse there than a fish, deftly wielding its tail and tucking its paws under itself.
A marine iguana can stay underwater for up to half an hour.
This variety also looks impressive, can be up to 1 m 70 cm in length, but does not pose any danger, and simply loves salt baths. Some of the lizards are so peaceful, but they allow themselves to be tamed.
And many exotic lovers keep similar reptiles at home. Blue iguana- a small lizard, has an impressive, very beautiful coloring, as if attracting the eye. Iguana price is 25,000 rubles.
However, it is better to keep in mind that such a cute and harmless creature can cause owners a lot of trouble related to proper maintenance and placement. The animal can be purchased together with terrarium for iguana which will provide her with the most comfortable conditions.
Keeping a cute little dragon at home is becoming more and more fashionable, so the number of people wanting to keep large green iguanas is rapidly growing.
Caring for a Pet Iguana involves daily warming of the body with a special lamp, since this type of reptile, being cold-blooded, is accustomed to tropical climate and is in dire need of strict adherence temperature regime.
Buy an iguana There is an opportunity from the breeder, in nurseries, clubs of reptile lovers and via the Internet, in many cases the delivery of the animal is also provided.
Iguana food
Mostly iguanas eat food of plant origin. Depending on the habitat, these can be cacti, various flowers and other plants.
A domestic iguana is usually fed in the morning, and uneaten food is removed after a while so that it does not go sour. Pets also need to change the water regularly and make sure it is clean. Animals need more than just plant nutrition.
At the same time, the diet iguanas at home Requires sufficient calcium and phosphorus. It should consist of fruits and vegetables, as well as some grains, herbs and mineral supplements.
Reproduction and lifespan of an iguana
Varieties animal iguana differ in their method of reproduction. Iguanas are generally oviparous, but special cases some species are capable of producing live young.
Green iguanas become fertile at the age of two, in some cases - three years. And their connection with their partner usually occurs in the autumn. During the mating season, iguanas often show intolerance and aggression.
They get into fierce battles with rivals for the attention of their chosen ones. Their actions obey certain laws and resemble a kind of ritual. Even the movements of animals are extremely interesting in their features. During battles, males exchange signs with each other: sharp blows with the tail and bows.
Future iguana mothers can also be no less aggressive and decisive in the fight for offspring. Most species of these reptiles lay eggs in the ground, and in the fight for a territory convenient for this, they are able to fight with anyone.
Baby iguana
One clutch can contain up to six eggs. A green iguanas They often lay several dozen of them. The cubs hatch after three months. Small reptiles molt constantly, but with age this process occurs less and less often.
Iguanas can live up to ten years, and when kept at home, often up to 15 years. However, providing good care for such lizards is not at all easy. And sometimes it happens that animals do not live even half of the allotted time. In most cases, this happens due to non-compliance with the temperature regime and the correct diet.
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