Helmeted Lizards (Corytophanidae family of Lizards)
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Helmeted Lizards or Casque-headed Lizards (Family: Corytophanidae) includes the genera Basiliscus, Corytophanes and Laemanctus. The common feature is adornments such as helmets and crests.
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BASILISK (GREEN BASILISK)
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|  | Basiliscus plumifrons
| Also known as the Jesus Lizard, male basilisks are distinguished by the crest of skin on their heads and dorsal crest along their bodies. Growing to as long as 60cm (24in), basilisks may live as long as 20 years. The basilisk is found in tropical areas of Mexico, Central America and South America.
The basilisk, like the dragon has its own mythology. In legend, the Basilisk is the king of serpents, it's stare causing petrification and the death of its prey. The real basilisk is harmless to anything other than crickets, mealworms or small rodents that form its prey.
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Image: David Warwick (Taronga Zoo Exhibit - Dec 2004)
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