Smooth Helmeted Lizard
Corytophanes cristatus
The smooth helmeted lizard inhabits humid forests from Mexico through Central America into northwestern South America. Its tall, smooth bony head crest distinguishes it from the lower casque of Laemanctus; its brown or olive pattern helps it blend into trunks and branches.
It appears in specialist collections, where its forest ecology and sensitivity require species-specific planning. Housing must accommodate arboreal perches and cover rather than an open desert layout. It eats invertebrates and other small prey, and females lay eggs.
Colors: Wild Type