It is a known fact that most iguanas and lizards are fond of the warmer climates and in that respect; there are not a lot of different species of North American iguanas. There are a couple of different species that live in the very south western areas of Canada as well as several species that live in the western coast of the United States however, they are not as abundant as the variety you would find somewhere sub tropical such as Africa and the favorite iguana breeding ground, the Galapagos Islands. With this in mind, lets set out to discover what North American iguanas offer us in the way of variety on this continent.
The North American Iguana’s Diet
The diet of the North American iguana is typical of most land iguanas however they lack the algae and other essential life giving items that their cousins in the tropical areas get to experience. The North American iguana typically feeds on other small creatures such as easy insects such as ants. In fact, the North American iguana has such an amazing strategy to catch the insects that they are often found completely burrowed in the sand with only the head sticking out.
The North American iguana aside from feeding on ants will occasionally get a cricket or grasshopper however; these are a rare treat because of the climate that they live in grasshoppers are not available all year long. It is an adaptation effect of the North American iguana to become used to eating crickets in the summer and ants as well as other tiny insects for the rest of the year.
North American Iguana Physical Features
There are a number of tell-tale characteristics that will tell you that you have a North American iguana because unlike many other species of iguana, the type that live in a compromising climate actually experience a stunt of growth and only grow to be around three to six inches in length with a thin tail and short legs and neck. This is the type that you would typically find west of the Mississippi River in the United States as well as in the very southern most areas of Canada.
These reptiles are generally colored in a way that will allow them to blend in to their environment and it is common to find them in dark greens and browns. They sometimes can be found with spines on their sides and back as well as on the head.
to learn more about Iguana's please visit www.iguanainstitute.com/iguana/
Source: www.isnare.com
