Home›Reptiles›Taxonomy›IguanidaeTaxaIguanidaeReptile FamiliesReference and ClassificationThoroughly VerifiedIguanidae is a family of lizards composed of the iguanas, chuckwallas and their prehistoric relatives, including the widespread green iguana.FactsIguanidaeConnectionsIn the Other AtlasesSourcesComments (0)Reader Challenges (0)FactsTaxonomic RankWell-attestedFamily 1Scientific NameWell-attestedIguanidae 1Member Species/Taxa CountWell-attested45 3Geographic DistributionWell-attestedNearly all modern iguana genera are native to the Americas, ranging from the deserts of the southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to northernmost Argentina, with one exception found on Fiji 1Defining CharacteristicsWell-attestedTypically possess dorsal spines across the back, a dewlap on the neck, sharp claws, a long whip-like tail and a stocky, squat build 1Member Count BandWell-attested10 to 100 Species 4Era First AppearedWell-attestedCretaceous 5IdentificationDistinguishing AppearanceWell-attestedMost are arboreal, living in trees, though some species are more terrestrial 1ClassificationLiving or ExtinctWell-attestedYes 2IguanidaeFilter Results1 entryCommon GroupAllLizards (Lacertilia) (1)Everyday GroupAllLizards (Lacertilia) (1)HabitatAllIntertidal Zone (1)Where It LivesAllSouth America (1)Conservation StatusAllVulnerable (1)DietAllHerbivore (1)System (Realm)AllMarine (1)Living or ExtinctAllYes (1)ThreatsAllInvasive and Other Problematic Species, Genes and Diseases (1)Relationship to PeopleAllNo Significant Interaction with Humans (1)CITES AppendixAllAppendix II (1)EcosystemAllGalapagos (1)Show ResultsMarine IguanaIguanidaeConnectionsParent Taxon OfMarine Iguana, Species Well-attested Source Wikidata: Marine IguanaIn the Other AtlasesFound InCentral AmericaAlso in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.North AmericaAlso in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.South AmericaAlso in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.The CaribbeanAlso in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.Sources1. Iguanidae - WikipediaIntroduction (rank)The Iguanidae is a family of lizards composed of the iguanas, chuckwallas, and their prehistoric relativesIntroduction (name)The Iguanidae is a family of lizards composed of the iguanas, chuckwallas, and their prehistoric relativesDistribution sectionAll but one of the modern iguana genera are native to the Americas, ranging from the deserts of the Southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, to throughout South America down to northernmost ArgentinaDescription section (anatomy)Iguanas typically possess dorsal spines across their back, a dewlap on the neck, sharp claws, a long whip-like tail, and a stocky, squat buildDescription section (habit)Most iguanas are arboreal, living in trees, but some species tend to be more terrestrialIn Group: Iguanian Lizard Families (Iguania), LeadThe Iguanidae is a family of lizards composed of the iguanas, chuckwallas, and their prehistoric relatives, including the widespread green iguana.View the Source2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)tier 2Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ235589, descriptionView the Source3. The Reptile Database - Iguanidae searchSearch results headerQuote, Search results headerSpecies found: 45View the Source4. Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank): Taxon metrics for IguanidaeCatalogue of Life (ChecklistBank)Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCountQuote, Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount"speciesExtantCount": 45View the Source5. Paleobiology Database: Taxon record for IguanidaePaleobiology DatabaseTaxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)Quote, Taxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)"taxon_name": "Iguanidae" ... "firstapp_max_ma": 113.2 ... "early_interval": "Albian"View the SourceWikidata: IguanidaeWikidata Q235589, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the SourceWikidata: Marine IguanaParent Taxon Of: Marine Iguana, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the SourceComments (0)No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.Sign in to join the discussion.Reader Challenges (0)No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.