|
Male and Female Iguanas
Males tend to have larger heads than females, in part because of swollen jowls. Both sexes have 12-13 prominent pores
arranged in a row on the underside of both thighs. These glandular structures secrete a waxy substance with which iguanas mark their territory and identify each other. As the males mature, their
"femoral pores" develop slight outward projections. This developmental modification probably enables the male to better grasp the female during copulation. An iguana's skin is entirely covered
with very tiny scales. Iguanas cannot change their coloring (as chameleons do), but certain areas of their skin can become darker when exposed to direct sunlight. Young iguanas are pale blue-green with
dark-ringed tails. They mature to a lighter, more earthy color, usually with dark vertical bars on the body and tail. Vision, hearing and the sense of smell are acute. In their natural environment,
iguanas tend to be very wary, hiding or fleeing at any sign of danger. Iguanas are somewhat clumsy but accomplished tree climbers. They tend to bask by day on tree branches, often over water. When
frightened or threatened, they usually drop (sometimes from great heights) into the water below. Being excellent swimmers, they quickly make their way to protective cover by pressing their front limbs
along their sides and swishing their powerful tails from side to side. Iguanas can also safely land on the ground and run to protective cover after jumping from substantial heights. When threatened or
cornered, iguanas can defend themselves with astonishingly quick, whip-like lashes of their tails and with their claws and jaws.
Mating
Iguanas mate in January or February. After a pregnancy of about 2 months, the female digs in moist sand or soil, usually near the base of a
tree, and deposits 25-45 eggs. The hatchlings, measuring 25-30 centimeters long, emerge in about 2 weeks. They grow 15-24 centimeters a year and attain sexual maturity in about 3 years. An interesting,
but unfortunate, fact is that the iguana is widely hunted throughout its range for its tender white flesh and for its alleged aphrodisiac properties. Central American natives refer to the green iguana as
"bamboo chicken". Because it is timid and relatively slow, it is easily captured. Its eggs are also collected and eaten by local hunters.
|
