#inguanidae

[herpsandbirds]

Yucatan Spiny-tailed Iguana (Cachryx defensor), family Iguanidae, endemic to the northern Yucatan, Mexico

photographs by Animalies

[typhlonectes]

Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)

The Central American green basilisk (aka the double plumed --for the bifurcate head crest) is one of the world's most spectacular lizards. Adult males have crests on head dorsum and tail. Females have a small cone-like crest at the back of the head. Note the toe flanges on the juvenile. Small individuals are adept at running atop the surface film of smooth waters (thus the nickname “Jesus Christ Lizard”), larger examples are less so. According to some; this species is present in small numbers along some South Florida canals.

text/photographs by Dick Bartlett