Basiliscus (genus)

Taxobox
name = "Basilisk"ITIS|ID=173907 |taxon="Basiliscus"|accessmonthday = October 10|accessyear = 2008]

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image_width = 200px
image_caption = Striped Basilisk
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = Squamata
familia = Corytophanidae
genus = "Basiliscus"
genus_authority = Laurenti, 1768
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Basiliscus basiliscus"
"Basiliscus galeritus"
"Basiliscus plumifrons"
"Basiliscus vittatus"

"Basiliscus" is a genus of lizards that includes the basilisks.

Taxonomy and etymology

The Genus "basiliscus" is named for the creature of Greek mythology made up of parts of a rooster, snake, and lion which could turn a man to stone by its gaze: the Basilisk.cite book |author=Robert George Sprackland |title=Giant lizards |publisher=T.F.H. Publications |location=Neptune, NJ |year=1992 |pages= |isbn=0866226346 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=] This word derives from the Greek "basilískos" (βασιλίσκος) meaning "little king". The specific epithet was given in Carolus Linnaeus' 10th edition of "Systema Naturae".

Physiology

With mackled blue spots and a yellowIrish, its length is an average of about 70 to 75 cm (28 in - 30 in). The average weight is about 80 grams (3.2 oz). Its growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Its long crest-like sails reinforced in three distinct points (head, back, and tail) confers the impression of creatures such as "Dimetrodon" and "Spinosaurus". Its skin is shed in pieces.

Running on water

The basilisk sometimes runs as a biped. Basilisks have the unique ability to "walk" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as "The Jesus Lizard" or "The Jesus Christ Lizard" in reference to the biblical passage of . On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (4.8 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (14.75 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface and a pocket of air.

Habitat

They are generally found in Latin America anywhere there is a body of water (usually from Central Mexico to Ecuador). Recently introduced to Florida, it has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into the leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the 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.

Classification

Genus Basiliscus
*Common basilisk, "Basiliscus basiliscus"
*Red-headed basilisk, "Basiliscus galeritus"
*Plumed basilisk, "Basiliscus plumifrons"
*Striped or Brown Basilisk, "Basiliscus vittatus"

ee also

*Animal locomotion on the surface layer of water

References

External links

* [http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_jesus_lizard.shtml Jesus Lizard Robot] An attempt at building a robotic version of the Jesus Lizard
* [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1116_041116_jesus_lizard.html How "Jesus Lizards" Walk on Water]
* [http://www.reptilesweb.com/reptile-videos/interesting-clips/jesus-lizard-running-on-water.html Jesus Lizards Walk on Water Video]