antonsrkn
C. cristatus
Helmeted iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) - Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize
This was a very exciting find for me as I walked through the Belizean forest. This is only the 3rd time I have seen this species, the first was about 5 years ago when I was working in Panama on Barro Colorado Island, the 2nd was in Costa Rica, and now this one from Belize. These lizards are infrequently encountered and are very easy to pass by due to their excellent camouflage and they are thought to be found in relatively low densities in their forest homes. This lizard does not move frequently and perches in the same area for long periods waiting for prey to venture by. Infact there is atleast one study from Costa Rica and Panama that examined this species and determined they were a specialist in feeding on extremely large arthropods, otherwise it engaged in long periods if immobility until the opportunity presented itself to catch prey. Then they would spring into action and tackle its sizeable prey which allowed to retire back to immobility. The authors suggest (correctly in my opinion) that this was an adaptation to minimize conspicuous feeding behavior and thus reduce the risk of attracting predators. Really a cool animal.
In other updates: Normally on my trips I seek to take only photos, and leave only footprints. However, I inadvertently broke my own rules this time and brought some little friends back from Belize. I have discovered 3 botfly larvae buried in my leg, arm, and scalp. I accidentally killed the one in my arm, the others are still making themselves at home. I suspect I acquired them while hiking/camping in Cockscomb where this lizard was found.
C. cristatus
Helmeted iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) - Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize
This was a very exciting find for me as I walked through the Belizean forest. This is only the 3rd time I have seen this species, the first was about 5 years ago when I was working in Panama on Barro Colorado Island, the 2nd was in Costa Rica, and now this one from Belize. These lizards are infrequently encountered and are very easy to pass by due to their excellent camouflage and they are thought to be found in relatively low densities in their forest homes. This lizard does not move frequently and perches in the same area for long periods waiting for prey to venture by. Infact there is atleast one study from Costa Rica and Panama that examined this species and determined they were a specialist in feeding on extremely large arthropods, otherwise it engaged in long periods if immobility until the opportunity presented itself to catch prey. Then they would spring into action and tackle its sizeable prey which allowed to retire back to immobility. The authors suggest (correctly in my opinion) that this was an adaptation to minimize conspicuous feeding behavior and thus reduce the risk of attracting predators. Really a cool animal.
In other updates: Normally on my trips I seek to take only photos, and leave only footprints. However, I inadvertently broke my own rules this time and brought some little friends back from Belize. I have discovered 3 botfly larvae buried in my leg, arm, and scalp. I accidentally killed the one in my arm, the others are still making themselves at home. I suspect I acquired them while hiking/camping in Cockscomb where this lizard was found.