Basiliscus (lizard)
Basiliscus is a genus of large corytophanid lizards, commonly known as basilisks, which are endemic to southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The genus contains four species, which are commonly known as the Jesus Christ lizard, or simply the Jesus lizard, due to their ability to run across water for significant distances before sinking due to the large surface area of their feet.
Taxonomy and etymology
Both the generic name, Basiliscus, and the common name, "basilisk", derive from the Greek basilískos meaning "little king". The specific epithet, vittatus, which is Latin for "striped", was given in Carl Linnæus' 10th edition of Systema Naturæ.Description
Basilisks on average measure in total length. Their growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Their skin is shed in pieces.Basilisks are oviparous and lay 8–18 eggs.
Running on water
Basilisks sometimes run bipedally. Basilisks have the ability to run on water for short distances, and because of this, they have been dubbed the "Jesus Christ lizard" in reference to the biblical passage of Jesus walking on water. On water, basilisks can run at a velocity of per second for approximately before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support basilisks, creating a larger surface and pockets of air, giving them the ability to run across water.Sailfin lizards and a few species of anole lizards can also run on water.
Other defense mechanisms
Basilisks can burrow into sand to hide from predators; a ring of muscles around both nostrils prevents sand from entering the nose.Habitat and geographic range
Basilisks are abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela.Invasive species
The species Basiliscus vittatus has been introduced to Florida. It has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the brown 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. Mainly it has been seen in Boca Raton and other cities in Palm Beach County. as seen in this photo taken in West Palm Beach, Florida.Classification
Genus Basiliscus has four extant species:| Image | Scientific name | Common name | Distribution |
| Basiliscus basiliscus | common basilisk | from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela | |
| Basiliscus galeritus A.M.C. Duméril & A.H.A. Duméril, 1851 | western basilisk, red-headed basilisk | western Colombia and western Ecuador | |
| Basiliscus plumifrons Cope, 1875 | plumed basilisk, green basilisk, double crested basilisk | eastern Honduras, through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, to western Panama | |
| Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828 | brown basilisk, striped basilisk | Mexico, Central America and adjacent northwestern Colombia |