Brown basilisk lizard of Guatemala - Can it really walk on water?

Male brown basilisk lizard I photographed this year in Guatemala.

Although basilisks are not a type of iguana, they are closely related, belonging to the same suborder (Iguanidea).  The brown basilisk is a fairly large lizard, up to two feet long, and weighing around a pound, with females being smaller than males.  Males can be identified by their prominent crest, which is clearly visible in the above image.  I have included a second image below showing a close-up of the head and crest.

Brown basilisk close-up of head and crest.

They tend to be found around places with both water and trees.  They are excellent climbers and swimmers, but their real claim to fame is their ability to run across the surface of water a modest distance, up to 60 feet for smaller ones, which helps them avoid predators.  

Basilisks are predators, eating mostly insects and other invertebrates and small vertebrates.  They are also known to eat some plant matter.  They are fairly common; females lay small clutches of eggs several times a year, as they only live in tropical areas.  The young are independent from the moment they hatch,

Although they are sometimes kept as pets, basilisks are difficult reptiles to keep because of their speed, size, and unease of being handled.  

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


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