Basiliscus (genus)

Brown Basilisk, Belize

Basilisk ( Basiliscus ) are a genus of the family of iguanas ( Iguanidae ).

Basilisk live in the tropical rain forests of Latin America, mostly on trees at forest lakes, rivers and streams. However, they can also be kept in terrariums, as most of them ( the Basilisk ) is up to 90 cm long ( with the tail, which can be up to 3/4 length). The body weight of the lizards is about 200-500 g is a special feature that basilisk can run across the water. They do, however, only in exceptional cases, such as when fleeing from enemies. This is made possible by the accumulation of air in the hollows under your feet, as well as by the high speed ( 8 km / h). Because of this ability, the animals are also referred to as Jesus Christ Lizard.

Way of life

The animals feed mainly on insects, snails, small lizards, frogs and fish, and also of flowers and fruits. Basilisks are able to breed all year round. Up to eight times a year, the females can lay 20 eggs in the ground. 70 to 150 days does it take until the young hatch, this is dependent on the temperature. Their body length in the fresh slip is approximately 11 centimeters.

Species

• Basilisk ( Basiliscus basiliscus ) Linnaeus 1758
• Ecuador Basilisk ( Basiliscus galeritus ) Duméril 1851
• Frontal lobe Basilisk ( Basiliscus plumifrons ) Cope 1876
• Brown Basilisk ( Basiliscus vittatus ) Wiegmann 1828