Laemanctus


Laemanctus is a genus of lizards in the family Corytophanidae. Species in the genus Laemanctus are commonly referred to as conehead lizards or casquehead iguanas. The genus is endemic to Central America.

Description

Lizards of the genus Laemanctus exhibit the following characters. The tympanum is distinct. The plane of the top of the head slopes forward, and the occipital region is raised and extends beyond the occiput. The body is laterally compressed, and is covered with imbricate keeled scales. A strong transverse gular fold is present, but a gular pouch is absent. The limbs are very long, and the infradigital lamellae have a median tubercle-like keel. Femoral pores are absent. The tail is very long, and is round in cross section. The lateral teeth are tricuspid, and pterygoid teeth are present. The clavicle is loop-shaped proximally. A sternal fontanelle is absent. Abdominal ribs are absent.

Species

The genus consists of 4 species which are recognized as being valid.