In the Wild:

The iguana is a large diurnal arboreal plant eater found in Mexico, Central America and Brazil. Both sexes lead solitary lives and are territorial except during breeding season. Unfortunately, this fact is often ignored by people keeping iguanas in captivity. In the past it was assumed that younger animals were partially insectivorous to facilitate rapid growth. Now it is believed iguanas are generally herbivorous throughout their life although they will occasionally eat insect or animal protein if it is available. Growing iguanas achieve faster growth rates by selecting diets higher in digestible protein and maintaining a higher body temperature. It is believed that the higher body temperature allows greater digestive efficiency. Studies in Panama found that iguanas ate leaves, fruits and flowers of select trees, vines and bushes in short frequent feeding bursts concentrated from late morning to early afternoon. Most plant species were abundant but it was evident that the iguanas made an effort to eat less common or seasonally available foods. Although a wide variety of species were eaten, typically one or two types of plants were preferred. Researchers speculate that dietary diversity is accomplished over periods of days rather than daily.

 Sex Determination in Captive Iguanas:

Determining the sex of adult iguanas is easy. The ventral femoral pores are much larger in males compared to females and males have two hemipenal bulges at the ventral base of the tail. Males also grow much larger. In juveniles, these differences are more subtle. Probing has been suggested as a method of sexing, but may not be reliable.

Questions should be directed to our office, 502-245-7863