B is for … Basilisk

is for Basilisk, Barracuda and Buzzard. We’ll look at Basilisk.

There are many lizards but the Green, Plumed, or Double-Crested Basilisk is one of the best-known. The creature has a bright green skin and, distinctive yellow eyes. From head to tip of tail it carries an almost continuous fin, or crest.

There are stretchable areas of skin between its toes similar to, but not as pronounced as those on an amphibian like a frog, toad or newt. The Basilisk can swim underwater for up to 30 minutes.

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Species: The Basilisk is a member of the Iguana family of lizards.

Size: The average length from nose to tail is 25cm, however they are known to reach 90cm.

Habitat: The sub-species can be found in tropical rain forest and, rocky formations, usually where there is a water source.

Location: Generally found across Central America: Western Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Diet: Basilisk species are omnivores and will eat insects, small rodents, smaller lizards and, vegetation including flowers.

Predators: Snakes and birds.

Info / Strange Fact: The Basilisk is famed for its ability to ‘run’ on water in an upright stance on its hind legs and tail. Hence the creature is known in some quarters as the ‘Jesus Lizard’.

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