Suborder Iguania Phylum Chordata Rank Family | Subphylum Vertebrata Scientific name Corytophanidae Higher classification Iguania Order Scaled reptiles | |
 | ||
Lower classifications Basiliscus, Common basilisk, Corytophanes, Helmeted iguana, Eastern casquehead iguana | ||
Corytophanidae is a family of iguanian lizards, also called casquehead lizards or helmeted lizards, endemic to the New World. Nine species of casquehead lizards from three genera are recognized.
Contents
Geographic range
Corytophanids are found from Mexico, through Central America, and as far south as Ecuador.
Description
The casquehead lizards are moderately sized lizards, with laterally compressed bodies, and typically have well-developed head crests in the shape of a casque helmet. This crest is a sexually dimorphic characteristic in males of Basiliscus, but is present in both sexes of Corytophanes and Laemanctus.
Behavior
In Corytophanes, the head crests are used in defensive displays, where the lateral aspect of the body is brought about to face a potential predator in an effort to look bigger. Unlike many of their close relatives, they are unable to break off their tails when captured, probably because the tail is essential as a counterbalance during rapid movement.
Habitat
Casquehead lizards are forest-dwelling.
Reproduction
Despite the small size of the group, it includes both egg-laying species and some that give birth to live young.
Genera and species
Family Corytophanidae
