Helmeted Iguana - Forest

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Forest Chameleon Scientific Name: Corytophanes cristatus

Basic Info

Mature Forest Helmeted Iguanas will grow to approximately 34 centimeters (14 inches) in length. Their coloring ranges from brown to gray, with some light and dark coloration as well. Males and females can be distinguished visually, though some report the distinction to be difficult. On average, females have a noticeably smaller helmet than males.

Health

Forest Helmeted Iguanas should be kept in large enclosures that allow room for climbing, since these lizards are arboreal by nature. Provide full spectrum UV lighting for about 13 hours per day. Ambient daytime temperatures should be about 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area in the low to mid 90s. Nightime temperatures should be 75 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is also important, and levels should be kept high. Water should be supplied by misting and in a water bowl. Helmeted Iguanas have a varied diet in the wild, and can be fed a variety of foods in captivity. Some good choices include arthropods, crickets, earthworms, lizards, mice (pinkies and fuzzies), and spiders. It is also a good idea to add a multivitamin supplement and calcium to their diet. Breeding The Forest Helmeted Iguana has no set breeding period, and has been observed to breed throughout the year. After mating, females lay anywhere from as few as 6 eggs to as many as 11 in a single clutch. Eggs are usually laid in moist areas. After gestation, babies are born measuring between three and four inches in length.

Habitat

Southern regions of Mexico, to Northeastern Columbia.

Behavior

The Forest Helmeted Iguana is also known as the "Forest Chameleon", but it is not a true chameleon at all. Forest Helmeted Iguanas are arboreal lizards that prefer tropical rainforest habitats. Forest Forest Helmeted Iguanas are well known for their primary defense mechanism, which is to "play dead". They will often appear utterly lifeless in the face of danger.

Origin

Mexico and Central America

History

The Forest Helmeted Iguana is native to Mexico and Central America, and is most common in the Southern regions of Mexico, to Northeastern Columbia.

Common Foods

N/A