8057 - 12/26/05 bull iguana by the lake

[scottobear]

12/26/05 bull iguana by the lake
Originally uploaded by scottobear.

sent via palmtop

Male iguanas develop an orange to orange-red coloring as breeding season approaches. In some iguanas, the orange color may be diffuse over the entire body. In others, the orange can be concentrated in several areas including the dewlap, spikes, body, and legs. Female iguanas can also develop this orange coloration, though it is usually less intense.

Dominant males and females often retain the orange color past the breeding season. The orange color will persist if there are other iguanas present, or even dogs, cats, and people, over whom the iguana feels dominant.