Smooth helmeted iguana
A species of Helmeted iguanas, Also known as Helmeted basilisk, Casque-headed iguana Scientific name : Corytophanes cristatus Genus : Helmeted iguanas
Smooth helmeted iguana, A species of Helmeted iguanas
Also known as:
Helmeted basilisk, Casque-headed iguana
Scientific name: Corytophanes cristatus
Genus: Helmeted iguanas
Content
Description General Info
Description
The helmeted iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) is a species of lizard endemic to the New World. It is found from southern Mexico to South America in rainforests. With long limbs, it climbs well, and feeds on insects, spiders, worms, and other lizards.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Smooth helmeted iguana subsists primarily on a diet of insects, with a particular preference for cricket and spider species. This carnivorous lizard selectively feeds, often choosing larger prey to match its own substantial size.
Appearance
Smooth helmeted iguana is a medium-sized lizard with a unique, helmet-like crest giving it a prehistoric appearance. This reptile showcases smooth, leathery skin in varying shades of brown to green, providing camouflage in the tree canopy. Standout features include long, slender legs, a crested head, and a whip-like tail. There are no significant differences in appearance among age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Smooth helmeted iguana is known for its unique posture, curling into a ball nearly unrecognizable as a lizard when threatened. It spends most of its life staying incredibly still in trees, providing camouflage against predators. Solitary in nature, smooth helmeted iguana doesn't exhibit any distinct social behavior. Males defend territory from rivals during reproductive periods, showing low levels of aggression.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Casquehead lizards Genus
Helmeted iguanas Species
Smooth helmeted iguana 
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