An iguana's skin is entirely covered with very tiny scales. Young iguanas are pale green with black-ringed tails. They mature to a lighter, more earthy color, usually with dark vertical bars on the body and tail. Vision, hearing and the sense of smell are acute. In their natural environment, iguanas tend to be very wary, hiding or fleeing at any sign of danger.
Iguanas are somewhat clumsy but accomplished tree climbers.
They tend to bask by day on tree branches, often over water. Being excellent swimmers, they quickly make their way to protective cover by pressing their front limbs along their sides and swishing their powerful tails from side to side. Iguanas can also safely land on the ground and run to protective cover after jumping from substantial heights. When threatened or cornered, iguanas can defend themselves with astonishingly quick, whip-like lashes of their tails and with their claws and jaws. Iguanas mate in January or February.