Basiliscus (genus)

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Basilisk

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Sauropsida
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Corytophanidae
Genus:	Basiliscus Laurenti, 1768

Species

Basiliscus basiliscus
Basiliscus galeritus
Basiliscus plumifrons
Basiliscus vittatus

Basiliscus is a genus of lizards that includes the basilisks.

1 Physiology
2 Running on water
3 Habitat
4 Classification
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Physiology

With mackled blue spots and a yellow irish, its length is an average of about 70 to 75 cm (28 in - 30 in). The average weight is about 80 grams (3.2 oz). Its growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Its long crest-like sails reinforced in three distinct points (head, back, and tail) confers the impression of creatures such as Dimetrodon and Spinosaurus. Its skin is shed in pieces.

[edit] Running on water

The basilisk sometimes runs as a biped. Basilisks have the unique ability to "walk" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as "The Jesus Lizard" or "The Jesus Christ Lizard" by analogy to the biblical passage of Matthew 14:22-34. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (5 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (15 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface and a pocket of air.

[edit] Habitat

They are generally found in Latin America anywhere there is a body of water (usually from Central Mexico to Ecuador). Recently introduced to Florida, it has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into the leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the basilisk as far north as Fort Pierce, on the state's East Coast, where small groups have crept up the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River.