Brown Basilisk
Reptilarium Animals
Brown Basilisk
Conservation status (Least Concern)
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".
Brown basilisks are carnivores (insectivores) and feed mainly on various insects.
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.
