Corytophanidae Fitzinger
- Dataset
- English Wikipedia - Species Pages
- Rank
- FAMILY
Classification
- family
- Corytophanidae
Abstract
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.
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. Leenders, Twan. "Family Corytophanidae". Reptiles of Costa Rica: A Field Guide, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2019, pp. 135-146. https://doi.org/10.7591/9781501739545-022
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.Pough et al. (2003). In past years there has been evidence of corytophanids in the Eocene of North America. The greatest percentage of omnivorous species (> 10% plant diet), over 30% in each, and the highest mean percentage of plant matter in the diet are corytophanids. Cooper Jr, W., & Vitt, L. (2002). Distribution, extent, and evolution of plant consumption by lizards. Journal of Zoology, 257(4), 487-517. doi:10.1017/S0952836902001085
Genera and species
Family CorytophanidaeFamily Corytophanidae. The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
Genus Basiliscus Basiliscus basiliscus — common basilisk Basiliscus galeritus — red-headed basilisk, western basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons — green basilisk, plumed basilisk Basiliscus vittatus — brown basilisk, striped basilisk Genus Corytophanes Corytophanes cristatus — helmeted iguana Corytophanes hernandesii — Hernandez's helmeted basilisk Corytophanes percarinatus — Guatemalan helmeted basilisk Genus Laemanctus Laemanctus julioi Laemanctus longipes — eastern casquehead iguana Laemanctus serratus — serrated casquehead iguana Laemanctus waltersi
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a different genus.
Genus Basiliscus Basiliscus basiliscus — common basilisk Basiliscus galeritus — red-headed basilisk, western basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons — green basilisk, plumed basilisk Basiliscus vittatus — brown basilisk, striped basilisk Genus Corytophanes Corytophanes cristatus — helmeted iguana Corytophanes hernandesii — Hernandez's helmeted basilisk Corytophanes percarinatus — Guatemalan helmeted basilisk Genus Laemanctus Laemanctus julioi Laemanctus longipes — eastern casquehead iguana Laemanctus serratus — serrated casquehead iguana Laemanctus waltersi
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a different genus.
Geographic range
Corytophanids are found from Mexico, through Central America, and as far south as Ecuador. Certain species are now extant in South Florida and are considered invasive.
Habitat
Casquehead lizards are forest-dwelling. All corytophanids are excellent climbers, and they are usually found in trees or low bushes.
Reproduction
Despite the small number of species in the family Corytophanidae, it includes both egg-laying species and species that give birth to live young.
Name
- Synonyms
- Basiliscidae
- Corythophanae Fitzinger, 1843
- Homonyms
- Corytophanidae Fitzinger