 This crest is a sexually dimorphic characteristic in males of "Basiliscus", but is present in both sexes of "Corytophanes" and "Laemanctus".In "Corytophanes", the head crests are used in defensive displays, where the lateral aspect of the body is brought about to face a potential predator in an effort to look bigger.Unlike many of their close relatives, they are unable to break off their tails when captured, probably because the tail is essential as a counterbalance during rapid movement.