The red iguana is a variation of the common green iguana.
The red iguana is a member of the Iguadnidae family that has gained wide popularity due to its unique red hue. What many people don’t realize is that the red iguana is a variation of the common green iguana. The red color is the result of a selective breeding process focused on manipulation of the color gene. Coloration can range from a faint red or orange hue to a deep red, all with black streaks or shadows that tend to darken on the tail. The red iguana’s underside will usually have some green stripes, although the amount can range from a few small spots to an entirely green lower half.
Both green and red iguanas can grow quite large, which can be a factor for anyone considering a pet. Some of the largest species can grow to an impressive 7 feet (2 m) and weigh almost 18 pounds (8 kg). Males of the species tend to grow larger than females and can usually be identified by a larger dewlap and dorsal crest. Males also have a bulge behind the cloaca, which contains the reproductive organs.
Both male and female iguanas have a row of spines that starts at the base of the skull and ends at the tip of the tail. The body of an iguana is narrow, long, and covered in smooth scales. They also have five long toes with relatively sharp claws to help them climb in their natural habitat.
Another characteristic of iguanas is the row of sharp teeth, which they use to feed on a varied diet made up of leaves and flowers. Although an adult iguana’s diet is primarily herbivorous, juvenile iguanas may eat insects as their main source of nutrition. Some of an iguana’s hydration comes from drinking water collected in leaves, but the main source of water intake is through the food it eats.
While the red iguana is a phenomenon found in captive breeding programs, the common green iguana is native to South and Central America. Green Iguanas prefer areas that have trees and a water source and are often seen along rivers and swamps. In their natural habitat, these iguanas are a social species that tend to live in a group environment. Males tend to be territorial and can be found fighting over key basking spots.
In captivity, green and red iguanas are generally easy to keep; they do, however, require some imitation of their natural environment. Since iguanas enjoy both direct sunlight and shade from treetops, their cage should be set up with lights on only one side. The temperature of the enclosure must be regulated by UVA and UVB rays that produce heat lights, while humidity levels can be achieved through a water source and periodically misting the iguana by hand.