Corytophanidae
Corytophanidae is a family of lizards commonly known as casqueheads, helmeted lizards, or hooded lizards. They are native to Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. This family is characterized by the presence of a prominent casque or crest on the head, which varies in size and shape among different species. This structure is believed to play a role in species recognition, thermoregulation, or display.
The family Corytophanidae contains three genera: Corytophanes, Laemanctus, and Basiliscus. The genus Corytophanes includes species like
These lizards are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates, but some larger species may