Plumed basilisk

Male frontal lobe Basilisk ( Basiliscus plumifrons )

The frontal lobe Basilisk ( Basiliscus plumifrons ), also called plumed basilisk, is a large Central American species of basilisk. It belongs to the subordination of the iguana -like.

Description

The frontal lobe Basilisk reaches a length of about 80 cm, of which the length of the tail with 50 to 55 cm is two-thirds of the total length. The name derives from the frontal lobes (which are more pronounced in the males and have the shape of a head sail ) on the head and back of the head of the basilisk. The body is designed overall slender, the legs are still powerfully built. The coloration of the scales varies from dark green to emerald green to blue-green. For the belly side, the scales are brighter. The back is marked by a yellowish to bluish mottling. The impressive skin ridges on the back, which can reach a height of 5 cm, are continued to the tail. This skin ridges are somewhat less pronounced in the female. The animals can be up to 13 years in captivity with good care. In the wild, however, well before they die.

Dissemination

The frontal lobe basilisk is found in the rainforests and wetlands of Central America at home. The species is particularly common in Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama. Frontal lobe basilisk live mainly in trees near water. They are very good swimmers and divers. With its widened toes they are able, for a short time to walk on water; this has earned it the name of Jesus lizard the lizard.

Food

Insects, snails, frogs, small lizards and fish are part of the food of the frontal lobe basilisk. In addition, but also fruit and flowers are eaten.

Reproduction

The mating season is not bound to any solid season. The female lays up to 15 eggs, which hatch the young animals after an average of 60-75 days of gestation of 40-45 days. The slip time is highly dependent on the incubation temperature. The young lizards exhibit a slip length of about 12 cm and a weight of 2.5 grams. The first molt occurs after 5 to 6 weeks. Sexual maturity occurs middle of the 2nd year of life.

Pictures

Head Study of a frontal lobe basilisk

Frontal lobe Basilisk during molting

Frontal lobe Basilisk in Costa Rica

Frontal lobe Basilisk at Caño Negro