Iguana vs. Lizard: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Iguana is a large, tree-dwelling lizard known for its spines and dewlap. Lizard is a general term for a widespread group of squamate reptiles, varying in size and habitat.
Key Differences
An iguana is a type of lizard characterized by its large size, distinctive spines running along its back, and a prominent dewlap under its throat. In contrast, the term "lizard" encompasses a vast and diverse group of reptiles that come in various sizes, shapes, and habitats, not all having the distinct features of an iguana.
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Nov 22, 2023
Iguanas are typically found in tropical areas and are known for their arboreal (tree-dwelling) habits, often seen basking in the sun on tree branches. Lizards, however, have a much broader range of habitats, from deserts to forests, and include both arboreal and ground-dwelling species.
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The diet of an iguana primarily consists of plants, making them mostly herbivorous. Lizards as a group have varied diets, ranging from insectivorous (insect-eating) to omnivorous, depending on the species.
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Iguanas are known for their social behavior, often seen in groups, especially during basking or feeding. Lizards, on the other hand, display a wide range of social behaviors, with some being solitary and others displaying varying levels of social interaction.
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In terms of size, iguanas are generally larger than many lizard species, with some iguanas reaching up to 6 feet in length including their tail. Lizards vary greatly in size, from tiny geckos a few inches long to larger species like monitor lizards.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Generally large, up to 6 feet
Varies greatly, from a few inches to larger
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Physical Features
Spines, dewlap
Varies widely, no specific defining features
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Iguana and Lizard Definitions
Iguana
A large, herbivorous lizard native to tropical areas.
The iguana climbed skillfully up the tree.
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Lizard
Varies in size, habitat, and behavior.
Lizards are found in almost every type of habitat.
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Iguana
Characterized by its green color and long tail.
The green iguana's tail whipped back and forth as it moved.
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Lizard
Many lizards are capable of quick, agile movements.
The lizard darted away at lightning speed.
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Iguana
Known for its distinctive spines and dewlap.
The iguana's spines were visible as it basked in the sun.
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Lizard
Some species are known for their ability to regrow tails.
The lizard lost its tail but will regrow it soon.
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Iguana
Often kept as an exotic pet.
She set up a special enclosure for her pet iguana.
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Lizard
A widespread group of squamate reptiles with elongated bodies.
A small lizard scurried across the rock.
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Iguana
Any of various usually large herbivorous lizards of the subfamily Iguaninae, often having a dorsal crest and found chiefly in tropical America.
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Lizard
Includes both insectivorous and omnivorous species.
That lizard primarily feeds on insects.
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Iguana
A green iguana (Iguana iguana), a large tropical American lizard often kept as a pet.
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Lizard
Any of numerous squamate reptiles often classified in the suborder Lacertilia, characteristically having a scaly elongated body with a tapering tail, four legs, movable eyelids, and external ear openings.
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Iguana
Colloquially, in America and the Pacific, any of several members of the lizard family Iguanidae.
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Lizard
Any reptile of the order Squamata that is not a snake or an amphisbaenian, usually having four legs, external ear openings, movable eyelids and a long slender body and tail.
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Iguana
Colloquially, in Africa, any large member of the genus Varanus, especially the aquatic Nile monitor (see leguan).
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Iguana
Any species of the genus Iguana, a genus of large American lizards of the family Iguanidæ. They are arboreal in their habits, usually green in color, and feed chiefly upon fruits.
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Iguana
Large herbivorous tropical American arboreal lizards with a spiny crest along the back; used as human food in Central America and South America
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Lizard
(rock paper scissors) A hand forming a "D" shape with the tips of the thumb and index finger touching (a handshape resembling a lizard), that beats paper and Spock and loses to rock and scissors in rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock.
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Iguana
A reptile that primarily lives in trees.
An iguana was spotted resting on a high branch.
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Lizard
(in compounds) A person who idly spends time in a specified place, especially a promiscuous female.
Lounge lizard; lot lizard; beach lizard; truck stop lizard
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Lizard
Any one of the numerous species of reptiles belonging to the order Lacertilia; sometimes, also applied to reptiles of other orders, as the Hatteria.
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Lizard
A piece of rope with thimble or block spliced into one or both of the ends.
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Lizard
A piece of timber with a forked end, used in dragging a heavy stone, a log, or the like, from a field.
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Lizard
Relatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail
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Lizard
A man who idles about in the lounges of hotels and bars in search of women who would support him
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do iguanas live in groups?
Iguanas can often be found in groups, especially when basking or feeding.
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How long can iguanas live?
Iguanas can live for many years, often over a decade in captivity.
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What defines a lizard?
Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles with elongated bodies and tails.
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Can all lizards regrow their tails?
Many, but not all, lizards have the ability to regrow their tails.
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Are lizards cold-blooded?
Yes, like all reptiles, lizards are ectothermic, or cold-blooded.
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What do lizards eat?
Lizards have varied diets, ranging from insects to plants, depending on the species.
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Do lizards live in deserts?
Some lizard species are adapted to desert environments.
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Are iguanas aggressive?
Iguanas can be territorial and may show aggression, especially during breeding season.
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Do lizards hibernate?
Some species of lizards go into brumation, a hibernation-like state, in cold weather.
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What is an iguana?
A large, typically green lizard known for its spines and dewlap.
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Are all lizards able to climb?
Climbing ability varies among lizard species, with some being excellent climbers and others not.
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Can iguanas change color?
Some iguana species can change color, but not as dramatically as chameleons.
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Can lizards be pets?
Many lizard species are popular as pets, but their needs vary widely.
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Is it easy to care for an iguana?
Iguanas require specific care, including proper diet and habitat, and can be challenging pets.
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How do iguanas regulate their body temperature?
They bask in the sun to warm up and seek shade or water to cool down.
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Do iguanas have good eyesight?
Yes, iguanas generally have good vision, which helps them navigate their arboreal habitat.
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How do lizards reproduce?
Most lizards lay eggs, but some species give birth to live young.
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What habitats do lizards prefer?
Lizards inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and deserts to urban areas.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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