Corytophanidae (Helmeted Lizards)

Range: central Mexico, northwestern South America.[IMG_1] Genera: 3 Species: 9 Ecology and behavior: They inhabit both tropical forests and dry understories, with both arboreal (tree-dwelling) and terrestrial species occurring near water. They hunt insects and other small animals. All species are oviparous, except the ovoviviparous Corytophanes percarinata. A notable ability of species in the genus Basiliscus is bipedal running across the water surface, using the tail as a counterbalance (video), as well as diving into water and sheltering under stones for some time. Morphological traits: Long-tailed lizards with long limbs and a slender, relatively small body (9-20 cm), somewhat laterally compressed. In both sexes of Corytophanes and Laemanctus, the head is adorned with large crests forming a helmet-like shape. In Basiliscus, which is characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism, crests develop only in males. Teeth are pleurodont, i.e., attached by one side to the inner surface of the jaw bones. A lost or broken tooth is replaced by a new one growing under or next to the old one. [IMG_2] Basiliscus vittatus [IMG_3] Corytophanes hernandezii [IMG_4] Laemanctus serratus Sources: 1. Animal Diversity Web 2. Encyclopedia of Life 3. Higher Taxa in Extant Reptiles 4. Arkive 5. Les-Z-Animaux 6. Site logoBreeders' Expo Europe