Young individuals are a brilliant emerald green, but as they mature, the color becomes more subdued, ranging from pale green through browns, grays, and dull orange. A row of high, flexible spikes of skin project along the back of the body and onto the long heavy tail. Suspended from its throat is a large fold of skin, a dewlap. Found throughout Central and northern South America and much of the West Indies. It lives in trees in the vicinity of ponds or rivers at altitudes from sea-level to the mountains.
Adults usually eat only plant food.
In captivity they relish pinkies and mealworms. Young hatch in 3 months and are independent from birth. Life span is 10 years. Iguanas bask on branches of trees during the day, usually over water so that if danger appears the reptile can drop into the river or pool, dive, and remain submerged on the bottom for many minutes. These reptiles are fast runners, good climbers, swimmers and divers.