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Dorsal, Nuchal, Caudal crests and Subtympanic scale
Dewlap
The dewlap is used to help iguanas get heat from the sun as well as for communication. There is cartilage that runs down the front of the dewlap, this is what extends and retracts the dewlap as well as support the tongue. Eyes Iguanas can see above, below, behind, and in front of them. They also can see into the higher wavelengths beyond what humans can see. They can't however see very well at night. Ears
Iguanas do have ears and can hear so you need to be careful not to be blasting your favorite music in the same room. Is it male or female? When an iguana gets to be about a year to a year and a half old you should be able to tell if it's a female or male. You can determine this by the femoral pores, which line the undersides of their rear legs. Male femoral pores are larger then females and produce a waxy secretion. Males also develop a bulge just below their vent (were their lovely body secretions come out) or the beginning of the tail. Female's femoral pores are very small. A lot of people think that a female makes a better pet because they are less aggressive. News flash, females can be just as aggressive and territorial as a male.
Female pores
Male pores
Parietal eye
There is a gray/black spot on top of iguana's heads that is called the parietal eye or third eye. It is used to sense changes in light and dark. This is why you cannot have any type of white light on at nighttime. It is also used to determine seasons. The parietal eye can detect movements of light and dark. For instance if there is a predator over head, the iguana will know that its there. This helps protect them. Tail The tail is used for balance, defense, and to regulate their body temperature. Mouth In an iguanas mouth is teeth and a tongue. They have a small amount of saliva which does not have digestive enzymes like humans. The saliva is used for lubricating food. Teeth Iguanas have about 120 very sharp teeth used for tearing up leafs (and biting you, pets, or what ever). Iguanas are constantly replacing damaged or lost teeth through out their life. Tongue Iguanas have a forked tongue all though it is hard to see the fork. They use it to taste and smell. They flick their tongue on an object to pick up scent molecules. When the tongue is retracted into the mouth it touches the top of the mouth where the vomeronasal (Jacobson's) organ is. From there, chemical signals are sent to the brain. Vent The vent is the area where defecation takes place. This is also where the reproductive organs (males are termed hemipenes) are. Its located on the underside of the iguana where the base of the tail and body meets. Heart An iguanas heart has 3 chambers, unlike humans which have 4. There are 2 atria and 1 ventricle. The ventricle keeps oxygenated blood from mixing with deoxygenated blood. Iguanas can direct their blood flow away from their lungs when needed (swimming). This makes it possible for them to hold their breath for 20 - 30 minutes. Lungs Iguanas don't have diaphragms so the muscles of their ribcage is what helps them breath air in and out. It is very important that their ribs do not get damaged. Color Iguanas very in color and patterns. Juveniles are a bright green color. As the iguana gets older, the colors and patens change. The head color can range from gray, blue-white, and orange. The body can range from dark to light green, bluish, brownish tan, orange, and turquoise. They can have black or brown speckles and strips on their body and tail. Some iguanas have horns or knobs on the nose. Depending on where your iguana is from, will depend on the colors and markings the iguana will have. Iguanas can darken and lighting their color to respond to changes in temperature, stress, mood, and health. For example: When an iguana is cold and needs to warm up, it will darken the skin to absorb heat. Its just the opposite if they need to cool down. They will also darken their color if they are stressed. Alrighty then, you made it this far and its time to move on. Lets go learn about the behavior to expect from your little green owner. Yep, they own you not the other way around. Once you have had an iguana for a while, you will completely understand what I mean. Onward shall we.
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