Iguana 322611 225343087 2008-07-13T05:04:01Z Mike Searson 2043211 {{Two other uses||other members of the family Iguanidae|Iguanidae||}} {{Taxobox | name = ''Iguana'' | image = PortraitOfAnIguana.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = [[Green Iguana]] ''Iguana iguana'' | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | classis = [[reptile|Sauropsida]] | ordo = [[Squamata]] | subordo = [[Iguania]] | familia = [[Iguanidae]] | genus = '''''Iguana''''' | genus_authority = [[Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti|Laurenti]], 1768 | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = *[[Lesser Antillean Iguana]], ''I. delicatissima'' *[[Green Iguana]], ''I. iguana'' }} '''Iguana''' is a [[genus]] of [[lizard]] native to tropical areas of [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]] and the [[Caribbean]] first described by Austrian [[naturalist]] [[Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti]] in his book ''Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena'' in 1768. The genus ''iguana'' includes two [[species]]: the [[Green Iguana]] and the [[Lesser Antillean Iguana]]. The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original [[Taino]] name for the species "Iwana".<ref name="Coles">{{citation | last = Coles | first = William | title = Green Iguana | work = U.S.V.I. Animal Fact Sheet #08 | publisher = Department of Planning and Natural Resources US Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife | url = http://www.vifishandwildlife.com/Education/FactSheet/PDF_Docs/08GreenIguana.pdf | date = 2002 }}</ref> ==Physical characteristics== The two species of [[lizard]] within the genus ''Iguana'' possesses a [[dewlap]], a row of [[spine]]s running down their back to their [[tail]], and a third [[eye]] on their [[head]]. This eye is known as the [[Parietal eye]], which looks just like a pale scale on the top of their head. Behind their [[neck]] are small [[scale]]s which resemble spikes, known as tuberculate scales. They also have a large round scale on their cheek known as a subtympanic shield. ===Sight=== Iguanas have excellent vision and are able to see shapes, shadows, color and movement for long distances. Iguanas use their eyes to navigate through crowded forests, as well as for finding food. They also use visual signals to communicate with members of the same species. They respond to visual stimulus of colors such as orange and yellow as food substances. ==Hearing== An iguana's ear is known as the [[tympanum]]. It is the iguana's ear drum, and is located right above the subtympanic shield and behind the eye. This is a very thin and delicate part of the iguana, and crucial to their hearing. == Gallery == {{Commonscat|Iguana}} <gallery> Image:Iguana iguana.jpg| A [[green iguana]] (''Iguana iguana'') Image:Pet Iguana.JPG| This is a [[Green Iguana]] kept as a pet. Image:DSC 1939.jpg|This is a [[Lesser Antillean Iguana]] kept at a zoo. Image:Green_Iguana.jpg| A [[green iguana]] (''Iguana iguana'') </gallery> ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Iguanidae]] [[bg:Игуана]] [[es:Iguana (género)]] [[gl:Iguana]] [[hr:Iguana]] [[id:Iguana]] [[is:Kembur]] [[it:Iguana]] [[mk:Игуана]] [[pl:Iguana]] [[pt:Iguana]] [[simple:Iguana]] [[sr:Iguana]] [[fi:Iguaanit]] [[th:อิกัวนา]] [[tr:İguana]] [[vi:Kỳ nhông]] [[uk:Ігуани]]