All Topics  
Corytophanidae

 

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Corytophanidae
 
 
  Topics Corytophanidae Topic Home

Corytophanidae is a family
Family (biology)

In biological classification, family is a taxonomic rank. Exact details of formal nomenclature depend on the Nomenclature Codes which applies....
 of lizards also called casque head lizards or helmeted lizards. They typically have well-developed head crests in the shape of a casque. This crest is a sexually dimorphic characteristic, found only on males. There are 9 known species of casque heads from 3 genera.

Casque heads are moderately sized forest-dwelling lizards with laterally compressed bodies. They are found from Mexico
Mexico

The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federalism constitutionalism republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico....
, through Central America
Central America

Central America is a central geography region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmus portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast....
, and as far south as Ecuador
Ecuador

Ecuador , officially the , literally, "Republic of the equator") is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, by Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west....
.






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Corytophanidae'
Start a new discussion about 'Corytophanidae'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Encyclopedia


Corytophanidae is a family
Family (biology)

In biological classification, family is a taxonomic rank. Exact details of formal nomenclature depend on the Nomenclature Codes which applies....
 of lizards also called casque head lizards or helmeted lizards. They typically have well-developed head crests in the shape of a casque. This crest is a sexually dimorphic characteristic, found only on males. There are 9 known species of casque heads from 3 genera.

Casque heads are moderately sized forest-dwelling lizards with laterally compressed bodies. They are found from Mexico
Mexico

The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federalism constitutionalism republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico....
, through Central America
Central America

Central America is a central geography region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmus portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast....
, and as far south as Ecuador
Ecuador

Ecuador , officially the , literally, "Republic of the equator") is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, by Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west....
. Unlike many of their close relatives, they are unable to break off their tails
Autotomy

Autotomy or self amputation is the act whereby an animal severs one or more of its own appendages, usually as a self preservation mechanism designed to elude a predation's grasp....
 when captured, probably because the tail is essential as a counterbalance during rapid movement. Despite the small size of the group, it includes both egg-laying species and some that give birth to live young.

Species

Family Corytophanidae
  • Genus Basiliscus
    • Common basilisk
      Common Basilisk

      The Common basilisk is a lizard found in Central America and South American rainforests near rivers and streams.The basilisk is part of the Corytophanidae family....
       - Basiliscus basiliscus
    • Western basilisk
      Basiliscus galeritus

      The Western Basilisk, or Red-headed Basilisk, inhabits western Colombia and Ecuador up through Central America. Its body color is olive-green with a reddish brown underbelly....
       - Basiliscus galeritus
    • Plumed basilisk
      Plumed basilisk

      The plumed basilisk, Basiliscus plumifrons, also called a green basilisk, is a species of lizard native to Latin America. Its natural range covers a swath from Mexico to Ecuador....
       - Basiliscus plumifrons
    • Brown basilisk
      Brown basilisk

      The Brown basilisk or Striped basilisk is one species of Basiliscus . They are native to Central America, but have been introduced into the U.S....
       - Basiliscus vittatus
  • Genus Corytophanes
    Corytophanes

    Corytophanes is a genus of Neotropical lizards, commonly referred to as Helmeted Iguanas or Helmeted Basilisks. They are all arboreal, and reside in tropical forests....
    • Helmeted Iguana
      Helmeted Iguana

      The Helmeted Iguana is a species of lizard found from southern Mexico to South America. It lives in rainforests. It has long limbs and climbs well. It feeds on insects, spiders, worms, and other lizards....
       - Corytophanes cristatus
    • Guatemalan Helmeted Basilisk
      Guatemalan Helmeted Basilisk

      The Guatemalan Helmeted Iguana is a species of iguana found in Guatemala and southern Mexico....
       - Corytophanes pericarinatus
  • Genus Laemanctus
    Laemanctus

    Laemanctus is a genus of corytophanidae lizards commonly referred to as conehead lizards or casquehead iguanas.The genus consists of two recognized species with six subspecies:...
    • Eastern Casquehead Iguana - Laemanctus longipes