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Iguana iguana is a large, diurnal lizard. It is among the largest of the New World lizards, with males reaching lengths of 180 cm, more than half of which is tail. (Larger males can reach up to 2 metres in length and weigh up to 8 kg). Females rarely grow larger than 120 cm. The tail, which can be used in a whiplike fashion for self-defence, carries distinct dark bands. There is also characteristic dark marking to the shoulder area of most specimens. All green iguanas have an enlarged scale beneath their tympanums and prominent nuchal, vertebral and caudal crests. The spines on some male specimens become so large and tall that they flop over to one side of the back or the other. Also, because they are active, arboreal lizards, green iguanas have strong claws to aid them in climbing. One other striking physical feature is the massive dewlap on their throats. These dewlaps are used for territorial displays and are fully exposed when the iguanas engage in head bobbing, or when the lizards are in sunlight and are maximising the surface area of their bodies to absorb warmth.

Iguana iguana is a large, diurnal lizard. It is among the largest of the New World lizards, with males reaching lengths of 180 cm, more than half of which is tail. (Larger males can reach up to 2 metres in length and weigh up to 8 kg). Females rarely grow larger than 120 cm. The tail, which can be used in a whiplike fashion for self-defence, carries distinct dark bands. There is also characteristic dark marking to the shoulder area of most specimens. All green iguanas have an enlarged scale beneath their tympanums and prominent nuchal, vertebral and caudal crests. The spines on some male specimens become so large and tall that they flop over to one side of the back or the other. Also, because they are active, arboreal lizards, green iguanas have strong claws to aid them in climbing. One other striking physical feature is the massive dewlap on their throats. These dewlaps are used for territorial displays and are fully exposed when the iguanas engage in head bobbing, or when the lizards are in sunlight and are maximising the surface area of their bodies to absorb warmth.

Male green iguanas can be distinguished from females by their enlarged femoral pores. Both sexes possess 12-13 femoral pores located as a row along the ventral aspect of each thigh; these glandular structures secrete a waxy substance with which they mark their territory and identify each other. In addition males reach larger sizes and have larger crests, jowls and tympanic scales.

Male green iguanas can be distinguished from females by their enlarged [[Femoral pores|femoral pores]]. Both sexes possess 12-13 [[Femoral pores|femoral pores]] located as a row along the ventral aspect of each thigh; these glandular structures secrete a waxy substance with which they mark their territory and identify each other. In addition males reach larger sizes and have larger crests, jowls and tympanic scales.

As hatchlings, this species is a bright green colour, sometimes with banding or blotches. As they mature, most iguanas fade, often a golden orange in males and an olive colour in females. These bright colours are particularly noticeable when the animals are mature and in breeding condition. Adults of both sexes often have a bluish cast to their heads.

As hatchlings, this species is a bright green colour, sometimes with banding or blotches. As they mature, most iguanas fade, often a golden orange in males and an olive colour in females. These bright colours are particularly noticeable when the animals are mature and in breeding condition. Adults of both sexes often have a bluish cast to their heads.