Striped basilisk, Common basilisk
The brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus ), also commonly referred to as the striped basilisk or in some areas as the common basilisk, is a species of basilisk lizard in the family Corytophanidae. The species is native to Mexico, Central America and adjacent northwestern Colombia, and has been introduced into the U.S. state of Florida as a feral species. The brown basilisk has large hind feet with narrow flaps of skin on the distal edge of each toe. The fact that they move quickly across the water gives them the appearance of "walking on water".
The Brown basilisk is a species of basilisk lizard native to the Americas. It has a three-part dorsal crest on the head, along the back, and along the tail. Coloration is brown or olive-brown with black crossbands. The crossbands are usually only on the flanks and on the dorsal crest. There is also a white stripe, which extends from the eyes to the rear legs. The male has a larger crest than the female. Brown basilisks have large hind feet with narrow flaps of skin on the distal edge of each toe. The fact that they move quickly across the water gives them the appearance of "walking on water".
Brown basilisks are found in Mexico, Central America, and adjacent northwestern Colombia. They live in tropical dry and moist forests preferring areas with dense vegetation near the bodies of water.
Brown basilisks are solitary lizards. They are active during the day and their outstanding camouflage allows them to remain motionless and very hard to detect. Most of their time is spent in bushes and the lower branches of trees or thickets but they may climb down to the ground as well. If Brown basilisks face danger, they start to run very fast on the surface of a river or a lake. Smaller Brown basilisks can run about 10-20 m (33-66 ft) on the water without sinking. Young individuals can usually run farther than older ones. Basilisks are not only excellent water runners but also swim well.
Brown basilisks are carnivores (insectivores) and feed mainly on various insects.
Female Brown basilisks lay about 2-18 eggs, five to eight times a year. Eggs hatch after about 3 months and the babies weigh about 2 g (0.071 oz). The young are independent from the moment they were born and don't require parental care.
The Brown basilisk doesn't face any known threats ap resent.
According to IUCN, the Brown basilisk is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
