kinds of beautiful knowledge

Origin Story

First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the Common Basilisk is a wild species native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Its lineage is natural and not the product of captive breeding or hybridization.

Classification

Belonging to the family Corytophanidae within the order Squamata, the Common Basilisk is classified under the genus Basiliscus. It is part of the class Reptilia, encompassing cold-blooded, scaly vertebrates.

Appearance or Form

The Common Basilisk features a slender, elongated body typically measuring around 70 cm in length. Its coloration ranges from olive-green to brown, often accented with lighter stripes or spots. Males are notable for their larger, more pronounced dorsal crests that extend from head to tail, a key identifying trait. Specialized fringes on their hind toes enable their extraordinary water-running ability.

Behavior or Usage

This lizard is primarily insectivorous but also feeds on small vertebrates, fruits, and flowers. Its most remarkable behavior is its capacity to sprint bipedally across water for short distances, a unique adaptation that aids in escaping predators. Lifespan in the wild averages around seven years.

Merchandise & Prints

Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.

Common Basilisk Common Basilisk Poster

Common Basilisk Poster

Archival print, museum-grade paper

Common Basilisk Common Basilisk Mug

Common Basilisk Mug

Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe

Common Basilisk Common Basilisk Shirt

Common Basilisk Shirt

Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes

Attributes & Insights

Taxon-Specific Insights

🌍Cultural Significance

The Common Basilisk holds a special place in local folklore and ecotourism due to its striking appearance and water-running skill. Known regionally as "Lagarto de Jesus Cristo," it symbolizes agility and escape, inspiring awe and curiosity among locals and visitors alike.

📌Notable Facts

  • Nicknamed the "Jesus lizard" for its ability to run on water.
  • Males display larger dorsal crests and brighter colors than females.
  • Possesses specialized fringes on hind toes to increase surface area for water running.
  • Can reach lengths up to 90 cm including tail.
  • Primarily insectivorous but has a varied diet including fruits and small animals.

🌍Habitat And Distribution

The Common Basilisk inhabits tropical forests across Central and South America. It thrives near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water where its water-running ability provides an advantage for escaping predators and navigating its environment.

Visual Variations

High quality studio photograph of a Common Basilisk, belonging to the taxonomy reptiles
High quality studio photograph of a Common Basilisk, belonging to the taxonomy reptiles
A detailed image of a Common Basilisk (reptiles) in its typical natural habitat
A detailed image of a Common Basilisk (reptiles) in its typical natural habitat
Scientific cross-sectional illustration of a Common Basilisk
Scientific cross-sectional illustration of a Common Basilisk
A close-up macro photograph of the skin or scales of a Common Basilisk
A close-up macro photograph of the skin or scales of a Common Basilisk
A dynamic action shot of a Common Basilisk, part of the taxonomy reptiles, in motion such as climbing, swimming, basking, or hunting in its environment
A dynamic action shot of a Common Basilisk, part of the taxonomy reptiles, in motion such as climbing, swimming, basking, or hunting in its environment

Composition & Context

Taxon-Specific Insights

🦎Reproduction And Lifecycle

Details on the Common Basilisk’s reproductive habits are limited, but like many reptiles, it lays eggs. Individuals reach sexual maturity within a few years and can live up to seven or eight years in the wild, undergoing typical growth stages from hatchling to adult.

⚠️Conservation And Threats

While the Common Basilisk is not currently listed as threatened, it faces pressures from habitat loss and predation. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural tropical forest habitats to ensure population stability.

🤝Interaction With Humans

The Common Basilisk occasionally appears in the exotic pet trade due to its striking appearance and unique locomotion. It also plays a role in ecotourism and local folklore. However, it is not widely exploited commercially and generally coexists with human activity in its native range.

Faq

Can the Common Basilisk really run on water? Yes, it uses fringed toes and rapid bipedal movement to sprint across water surfaces for short distances.

Where is the Common Basilisk found? It is native to tropical forests in Central and South America.

Is it commonly kept as a pet? Occasionally, yes; it is valued for its unique behavior but is not widely traded commercially.