Brown basilisks are also called the Jesus lizard. They are native to Panama, Belize, northwestern Colombia and Costa Rica. In Guatemala, this species is widespread, found practically anywhere where there is a water source. Here are some interesting facts about the Brown Basilisk in case you found one.
This beautiful-looking basilisk is something called striped basilisk too. As you can see in the image they have large and long bodies, compressed tails, and males are characterized to have a fleshy crest. If you’re looking to spot some animals in Guatemala you’ll probably find a brown basilisk, they are everywhere. Making them one of the most common animals for wildlife viewing. But don’t worry, since Guatemala is one of the best wildlife locations in the world, you’ll find tons of other animals and birds to see.
Facts About the Brown Basilisk
1. They usually appear in brown or olive-brown with black stripes.
2. Basilisks are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and small animals. They feed mostly on insects but are reported to sometimes feed on fallen berries.
3. They have the nickname “Jesus Lizard” because when fleeing from a predator, they are very fast and can even run on top of the water.
4. Male Brown Basilisks can reach 80 cm in length and females are somewhat smaller.
5. This lizard is a quite arboreal reptile, and can be seen in bushes and the lower branches of trees, but also spend time on the ground.
6. They are diurnal. At night it can be found sleeping in vine-covered thickets or in the open on low bushes. Basilisks are capable of climbing, running, and swimming, all with equal facility.
7. The average lifespan for a well-kept basilisk can be 7-8 years.
8. They are not endangered but since people have been invading tropical areas, they are commonly seen in houses placed in areas that have the right climate. They are also very popular as pets.
9. Females lay 3 to 12 eggs from May to August in a secluded moisture-retaining nesting site, usually a hole. The young hatch during the early part of the rainy season from June to September in about 55 to 65 days.
10. This species can be found in tropical and subtropical wet, moist, and dry forest habitats.
i think that the lizard is sooo cool and i also think that im tired of typing my central American report and my hands hurt so badly and the lady at staples gave me the wrong cartridge i m tired it is now 10 and the only one in the house thats up is me and my grandparents
After we lost all the Iguanas to the freeze year before last, I’m overrun with these new lizards.
How do I get rid of them?
That failing, what plants will they not decimate?
This lizard is awesome! It’s nickname is the best part, but IT CAN WALK ON WATER!!!! OMG, how cool is that? I wish I could walk on water