June 24, 2018 - Costa Rica - Iguanas

Iguanas were the most common reptile that we saw on our trip to Costa Rica. This one was sitting on the bank of the Sarapiqui River when we took our boat trip.

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We saw two species of Iguanas, Green and Black. I did some research on the Internet, but I couldn’t find a clear description of the differences between them. I would be happy to hear any tips you may have for me. However, based on Internet photos, I think these two pictures show the differences. I think the one on the left is a Black Iguana. It has a longer, more pointed head. It also has two black stripes behind its eye, although the upper one is more prominent. The photo on the right shows a Green Iguana with its most noticeable identifying feature being the large “scales” on the lower extension of its jaw.

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This Black Iguana was sitting on a log along the Tarcoles River.

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Based on the color of its body, one would say this is a Green Iguana. However, both Black and Green Iguanas are green when they are young. I do see the large “scale” on its jaw, so based on my description above, I would agree this is a Green Iguana. It was seen at Punta Leona.

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Here’s an adult Black Iguana also seen at Punta Leona.

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Another Black Iguana seen at Punta Leona.

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One of our lunch stops was at Los Iguanas Restaurant in Muell. True to its name, there were Iguanas in the trees outside the restaurant overlooking the river. I took this photo because it shows the extremely long tail of a Green Iguana.

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This Green Iguana was sunning itself at Punta Leona.

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