Basilisk

Basilisk
	Striped Basilisk, Belize
Systematics
Superordinate :	Scale lizards (Lepidosauria)
Order :	Scale reptiles (Squamata)
without rank:	Toxicofera
without rank:	Iguana (Iguania)
Family :	Corytophanidae
Genre :	Basilisk
Scientific name
	Basiliscus
	Laurenti , 1768

Basilisks ( Basiliscus ) are a genus of the iguanas family (Iguanidae). They live in the tropical rainforests of Latin America , mostly on trees by jungle lakes, rivers and streams. But they can also be kept in terrariums.

The animals are also called Jesus Christ Lizard because they can walk on water. However, they only do this in exceptional cases, for example when fleeing from enemies. This is made possible by the accumulation of air in hollows under the feet and by the high speed.

description

The helmet basilisk as the largest representative is a maximum of 90 cm long (with the tail, which can be up to 3/4 of the length). The body weight of the lizards is around 200 to 500 grams.

Way of life

The animals feed mainly on insects, snails, smaller lizards, frogs and fish, but also on flowers and fruits.

Basilisks are able to reproduce all year round. The females can lay 20 eggs in the substrate up to eight times a year. It takes 70 to 150 days for the young to hatch, depending on the temperature. Their body length when they hatch is about 11 centimeters.