Green Iguanas

Name - Green Iguana; Scientific Name - Iguana iguana

Classification - Reptile

Description - The Green Iguana is the most common iguana in the Americas. It’s size averages about 6.5 feet long and weighs about 11 pounds. Although called Green Iguana it actually can appear in many different colors. The color of the Iguana represents its mood, temperature, health, or social status. For example, in the morning, while the body temperature is low, the skin color may appear darker, while later in the day, when it heats up, the skin may appear lighter and paler. Other distinguishing features of this Iguana is the pendulous dewlap under the throat which is a fold of loose skin hanging off their neck. When in danger, the Green Iguana will usually freeze or hide. If caught, the Iguana will thrash its tail around and will automatically drop its tail to distract the predator long enough to get away. The tail will eventually regrow but not to the size it was before.

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Habitat - The Green Iguana’s habitat ranges from northern Mexico, Central America, Caribbean islands, and southern Brazil. They spend most of their lives in the canopy

Niche - Green iguanas are primarily herbivores though they do occasionally eat small carrion and invertebrates. Additionally, this iguana helps disperse seeds and provide a source of food to larger predatory animals including humans. Like most other reptiles, this iguanas can alert us of any environmental changes.

Food Sources- Green leafy plants or ripe fruit

Status: Not endangered

Cultural significance: The Moche people of ancient Peru worshiped the green iguanas and often depicted them in their art. For the past 7,000 years, they have been used as a food source in Central America.

Cool Story: In Ancient Peru, the green iguana was worshiped and often depicted in their art. In many paintings and stories the green iguana is said to have been a companion to the god Wrinkle Face. In many pictures and sculptures, the anthropomorphic green iguana is seen as wearing a vulture headdress, watching wrinkle face, and sometimes even applauding him. Wrinkle Faces was often drawn in. scenes of burials or death. Any pictures that had Wrinkle face had the green iguana

Sources - http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Iguana_iguana/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_iguana#Cultural_references

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/g/green-iguana/

https://www.factmonster.com/encyclopedia/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/iguana

http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/mysterious-moche-icon-iguana-companion-sky-god-wrinkle-face-006233