The common basilisk is recognized not only by its large size but also by the fin-like crests that runs along its back. A professional writer and a passionate wildlife enthusiast, who is mostly found hooked to his laptop or in libraries researching about the wildlife. All rights reserved. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Common basilisks have sharp eyesight. The species of lizard is omnivorous. Basilisks occupy riverbank habitats as well as Guanacaste dry forest and the wetlands of the southwestern Costa Rica. They are mostly 900 mm long. Part of the iguana family, green basilisks grow to about 2 feet in length, including their long, whip-like tail. When threatened, they can drop from a tree into the water and sprint, upright, about 5 feet per second across the surface. The snout-vent length of adult females is about 135-194 mm. There is a prominent crest on its head and back that separates it from the rest of lizard species. While running on two legs, the common basilisk maintains balance with its tail. 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Males have distinctive, high crests on their heads and backs, which they use to impress females. Walking on Water. Males are 600 g in weight while females averaging 300 g. The average weight of basilisk lizard measures about 200 – 500 grams. Common basilisks have an omnivorous diet. To accomplish this, they have long toes on their rear feet with fringes of skin that unfurl in the water, increasing surface area. Corrections? They are common throughout their range and have no special status, but abundant natural predators like snakes and birds keep these amazing lizards on their toes. Top 4 Most Dangerous Snakes That May Be Lurking In Your Home, CBD for Dogs: A Pup Parent’s Guide to CBD Products, 5 Alternative Ways to Treat Your Dog’s Anxiety, Reticulated Python Facts | The World’s Longest Snake, Pterodactyl Facts | A Prehistoric Flying Reptile, Saber Tooth Tiger Facts | Behavior, Habitat, Diet, Extinction, Species, 7 Puppy Training Basics to Get Started With Right Away, Endangered Animals Facts | Top 7 Critically Endangered Animals. But if they fall into the water basilisks run more than 50 feet to swim to the side of the stream. Basilisks commonly live along streams and will run quickly across the water on their hind legs when frightened. Male basilisks are likely to show larger crests as compared to the females. Green basilisks are omnivores, surviving on a diet of plant material, insects, fruit, and small vertebrates. The lizard is also called the ‘Jesus lizard’. Basilisks are typically opportunistic hunters in that they consume anything anywhere ranging from beetles or ants to the hummingbirds. The speed of the common basilisk is around 7 mph (11 km/h) on ground however on water the average speed is 8.4 km/h (or 5.2 mph). Males become mature when they are 2 years of age. Males attain maturity when they reach a length of about 135 mm while females in 131 mm at the age of 20 months. The green basilisk lizard is also called a plumed or double-crested basilisk; but its amazing ability to run on water gives this species its most recognizable moniker: the Jesus Christ lizard. Hatchlings weigh only 2 grams with the length averaging 37 – 43 mm. The name is applied because of a resemblance to the legendary monster called basilisk (see cockatrice). The breeding season occurs in March but females will lay eggs in the coming January after a gestation period of 2 – 3 months. Males have a crest along the back, and this crest runs the length of the body in two species. The animal’s speed, light weight, and possession of broadscale fringes on the toes keep it from sinking into the water during a sprint; however, it is usually the younger and lighter lizards that are seen running across the surface of the water. The basilisk’s color is mostly olive to olive-brown but sometimes it shows bright green. Thanks to these legs with the help of which they are able to escape aquatic predators. The basilisk also consumes flowers and fruits, alongside birds and small mammals. For them there is no difference between the two surfaces. Omissions? The wild lizards have a typical lifespan of 4 – 6 years in the wild. The female produces 5 – 8 clutches per season. Basilisks are not only good runners but they’re also great swimmers as they remain submerged in water for many hours. The common basilisk is an expert climber and swimmer but it is known for running bipedally on the water surface—probably the only reptile to do so. They are likely to eat snakes, freshwater shrimps, lizards, crabs, frogs, and arthropods. The name is applied because of a resemblance to the legendary monster called basilisk ( see cockatrice ). They are commonly called “Jesus Christ” lizards because of this trait. Basilisk, (genus Basiliscus ), any of four species of forest lizards of tropical North and South America belonging to the family Iguanidae. Basilisks are as fast runners over the water surface as they are on the ground. The common basilisk’s diet also includes aquatic crustaceans, fish, non-insect arthropods, fish, reptiles, and small birds. Heavier adults however fail to run as fast as young do. Updates? Plumed basilisks, along with other basilisks, are able to use their feet and tail to … Males are generally larger than the females. The maximum lifespan of common basilisks is about 7 years in the wild and 9 years in captivity. The body is slender and compressed from side to side, the tail is long and whiplike, and the rear of the head is extended into a flat lobe like a cock’s comb. The average lifespan of this lizard species is about 8-12 years. Pregnant females prepare a shallow trench where they lay up to 20 eggs. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/g/green-basilisk-lizard.html. They remain active during the day while overhanging the water from vegetation. They run on two legs just like we do! Most of the time is spend near water. Males attain maturity when they reach a length of about 135 mm while females in 131 mm at the age of 20 months.
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