Helmeted iguana

Helmeted iguana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Corytophanidae
Genus: Corytophanes
Species: C. cristatus
Binomial name
Corytophanes cristatus
(Merrem, 1820)[1]
Synonyms
  • Agama cristata Merrem, 1820

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.

Color change

The helmeted iguana, like chameleons and other iguanas, has the ability to change its coloration from dark to light or vice versa, which aids in thermoregulation when basking in sunlight.

References

  1. Corytophanes cristatus. The Reptile Database.

Further reading

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