This amazing funny lizard was named basilisk. WITH mythical monster it has nothing to do with it. On the contrary, the basilisk is a timid and cautious reptile.
The head is simply crowned with a crest that resembles a crown. Hence the name “Tsarek” (basilisk). The most intriguing and interesting thing for us is the amazing ability basilisk running on water.
True, only 300-400 meters. Only young individuals (weighing no more than 50 grams) have this ability. But this spectacle is impressive. We conducted a study to understand how the lizard manages such a trick. It turned out that she succeeds in this due to her speed, the structure of her paws, tail and not heavy weight.
Types of basilisks
There are four varieties of basilisks: crested, striped, common and helmeted. If earlier they were classified as a family, now they are classified as separate category(basilisk family). Basically, species differ in habitat, color and size.
Thanks to his light weight and webbed feet, the basilisk can run on water
Description and character of the basilisk lizard
Anatomy, a clear manifestation of adaptation to the natural environment. Body coloring from green to brownish tones is a natural camouflage. It allows you to hide and remain unnoticeable to enemies among tropical forests Central America.
Juveniles have white spots or oblong stripes that disappear over time. Starting from the head, a wavy ridge runs along the entire length of the thickened part of the body. In males it is more pronounced. The hind legs are longer and more powerful than the front legs. At the end there are sharp, tenacious claws.
Shifting its hind legs at a speed of a fraction of a second, the basilisk runs through the water at high speed (one and a half meters per second). It is this acceleration that contributes to the formation of an air cushion that holds it on the surface.
Crested basilisk
In addition, the basilisk is a good swimmer and can stay in water for up to an hour. While running along the surface of the water on its hind legs, it balances with its long tail. If the whole body can reach 80 cm, then the tail is twice as long as the body.
Interesting fact, Basilisk one of the few reptiles capable of locomotion on their hind legs (bipedalism). Sharp claws allow her to climb trees perfectly. This is a nimble, fast and nimble creature, running on land at a speed of more than 10 km/h.
Features of the basilisk lizard
Omnivorousness, another one characteristic feature this lizard. They feed on insects, berries, plants, small rodents and smaller lizards, including their own young. Lack of seasonality in tropical forests, allows you to bear offspring throughout the year, up to four times. The basilisk lives on average ten years.
Basilisk hunts butterflies
With complete, to put it mildly, indifference to their offspring, these lizards live in polygamous families. One male and several females. At the same time, the male will not tolerate the presence of a competitor, and will fight for his small harem and territory.
Lizards are awake during the day and rest at night. It is at night that the greatest danger awaits them in the tropical forest. Large, predatory and mammals attack the lizard most often at night.
But there is a more formidable enemy, man. Due to merciless deforestation in Costa Rica, Guiana and other regions, the existence of lizards is under threat. The second reason, which can significantly reduce the population, is the fashion for exotic animals. The most popular species among poachers are helmeted basilisks.
They are ruthlessly caught and transported in unsuitable conditions. These lizards are quite delicate creatures, so only a tenth survive. They don't tolerate it well stressful situations. But it is possible to breed them in captivity.
Basilisk at home
The most popular exotic reptiles for the home are Basilisks. They learned to grow them at home. Wild individuals do not take root well in unnatural environment, unlike those who were bred in an incubator.
It is characteristic that the color of domestic basilisks has changed slightly. It became not bright green, but bluish. Contain lizard basilisk It’s better in pairs, since without a person of the opposite sex she may get bored.
Each basilisk needs a terrarium of up to 200 liters. In addition, a swimming pool is required. It is necessary to create conditions as close to natural as possible. That is, the bottom of the terrarium should be sandy or with small pebbles.
The arrangement of the living area should include driftwood, moss, and plants. Temperature (25-35 degrees) and light conditions (up to 14 hours) are very important for reptiles. To do this, install heating and daylight lamps.
Basilisk food
The diet should be balanced. The basis is plant foods: sprouted wheat, carrots, apples, bananas, fruits. The part must consist of insects. It is advisable to periodically feed small rodents or lizards.
In the photo there is a baby basilisk
For laying, make a nest with wet moss and a sandy bottom. After the female lays her eggs, they are collected and raised in an incubator (up to 30 days). Nature pleases us with the variety of fauna forms; one of her masterpieces is the basilisk. For its ability to glide across the water surface, it is also called the Jesus Christ lizard.
- genus of basilisks (Basiliscus plumifrons) noticeably different in its appearance from other iguanas, they have a peculiar skin decoration, which gives them an unearthly, and even fairy-tale appearance.
Helmeted Basilisk has a bright green color, which makes them invisible among bushes and trees. Male helmeted basilisks are quite large lizards; on the back of their head there is a skin outgrowth that more closely resembles a large flat helmet, 4 cm high. A high crest also runs along their back and paddle-shaped tail, which is covered with spinous and highly developed vertebral processes. Males and females of this species have a scaly border on the surface of the toes of the hind limbs. Surprisingly, these lizards have the ability to hold on and at the same time run very quickly on the surface of the water.
In the helmeted basilisk, compared to other species of this genus, the body length can reach from 50 to 80 cm, while they become heavier and can no longer stay on the surface of the water. They are also very good divers and excellent swimmers. On land, they are able to run across and also fly over long distances, pushing off only with their hind limbs.
The basilisk was nicknamed the “dragon” because it is very similar to a small copy of a dragon, and for its unique ability to run on water, some call them (Jesus Christ lizards). Helmeted basilisks feed mainly on live insects. Central America is inhabited by 4 known species Basilisks. They live in woody, overgrown areas, or settle along the banks of tropical rivers.
The helmeted basilisk (lat. Basiliscus basiliscus) is one of the most amazing lizards from the family Corytophanidae. The basilisk runs through the water, staying on its surface by rapidly alternating strikes of the hind limbs. For such wonderful art, he is often called “Christ’s lizard.”
Not everyone is given the talent by nature to run across the surface of the water up to 400 m, while developing a speed of up to 12 km/h. Main secret This art consists in the special structure of the hind legs. The lizard's toes are very long, and on their outer side there are special membranes made of modified scales.
At rest, they look like a fringe growing abundantly around the toes, and while running on water they straighten out, increasing the supporting surface of the feet.
Distribution and behavior
Helmeted basilisks live in Central America. These lizards prefer to settle in tropical rainforests growing in Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica. Here all year round It's stiflingly hot. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, and air humidity rarely drops below 60% and increases greatly during the rainy season.
Being tree lizard y, the basilisk spends most of its time in the crowns of trees growing along the banks of fresh water bodies.
He leads a daily lifestyle, and at night he sleeps peacefully, lying on a convenient branch. At dawn it gets out to a sunny place and, having warmed up well, goes in search of food.
The basilisk feeds on a variety of insects and invertebrates. His hunting trophies sometimes include small chicks and small fish. He snatches fish out of the water with amazing dexterity. Adult lizards diversify their menu with ripe fruits.
This reptile has a great many enemies, so its character is, to put it mildly, timid. He flees at the slightest threat, quickly jumping from branch to branch. The helmeted basilisk runs on water not because of religious ecstasy, but solely from toothy predators and voracious birds. To escape from birds, he often jumps into the water from tree branches.
Having stunned the adversary with its sprinting jerk, the basilisk hides in the abyss of the water and quickly swims away. This increased alertness helps him survive in the nightmarish conditions of the jungle. True, despite their outstanding abilities, the majority of basilisks do not live up to two years, becoming prey to their ubiquitous enemies.
When it comes to defending its possessions from competitors, the helmet-bearing basilisk turns from a despicable coward into a brave warrior.
Two males are capable of thrashing and biting each other for a long time, until the weakest leaves the home territory, and the winner gets the harem of females living on it. The male declares his rights to the territory with the help of ritual nods of his head. The area of the home plot can be from 500 to 1000 square meters.
Reproduction
The mating season begins with the arrival of the rainy season. At this time, air humidity rises to 80% and after the drought, the desired coolness sets in. In the third week of pregnancy, the female looks for a secluded place to lay eggs. To do this, she descends from the tree to the ground.
The female methodically presses her muzzle to the soil in search of the most favorable temperature and soil moisture for incubating eggs. Having found a suitable place, she lays 15-17 eggs, 2.1 to 2.4 cm long and 1.2 to 1.5 cm wide, burying them in the sand. During one season, each female is able to lay several clutches.
Incubation lasts 8-10 weeks, after which small lizards approximately 11 cm long are born.
They pierce the shell with a special egg tooth, which later falls out. The first days of their lives, the cubs do not hunt, feeding exclusively on the contents of the yolk sacs. When food supplies run out, they go on the first hunt in their lives.
They grow quickly and already at the age of 5 months the males begin to fight among themselves for a place in the sun. Lizards become sexually mature only at 18-24 months of age.
Description
The body length of an adult reptile is 60-80 cm, of which up to 50 cm is the tail. Body weight ranges from 250-500 g. The body is completely covered with small scales and has a bright green or bluish-green color. The tail has alternating yellow and brown stripes, and there are large light specks on the sides.
The head of the basilisk is decorated with a small skin outgrowth resembling a two-bladed helmet. The head itself is small, with a wide mouth. Eyes with bright orange irises are set on the sides of the head. Males have a high crest along the ridge. A low ridge also extends along the upper side of the long tail.
The short forelimbs are armed with long claws. The muscular hind limbs are much larger than the front ones. All five toes of the hind legs are equipped with scaly membranes.
The life expectancy of the helmeted basilisk in captivity is longer than in natural conditions. Many individuals live up to 5-6 years.
The basilisk lizard cannot be confused with anyone else because of its ability to move funny and run on water. She is called Basilisk (Greek for “little king”) because of her resemblance to a monster resembling a rooster, snake and lion, which can turn a person to stone with a glance (Greek mythology).
These lizards can run through the water on their hind legs for 1.5 to 4.5 meters before settling on all fours to swim. Because of the way the basilisk runs through the water (the photo depicts this process), the reptile is called “Jesus Christ”.
Habitat
There are a lot of basilisks in the tropical forests of Central America. Their habitats extend from southern Mexico to Panama. Reptiles spend most of their time in trees near water. When lizards are in danger, they jump into the water (in an upright position).
Description
The basilisk belongs to the iguana family. The lizard grows to approximately 80 cm in length, including the tail, which makes up 70 to 75% of the total body length. The weight of the animal is less than 2 grams at hatching, and an adult weighs more than 500 grams. Females and males range in color from brown to olive with white, cream or yellow stripe on the upper lip and small stripes on the sides of the body. They are more contrasting in young individuals and disappear as the basilisk matures.
The lizard has long limbs with thumbs and sharp claws. The belly is usually yellow, the mouth is large and has many sawtooth teeth located on the internal sides jaws.
On the ground, the lizard can reach speeds of up to 11 km/h. Although these strange animals are best known for their ability to run on water, they are also excellent climbers, swimmers and even divers! Adults can stay underwater for up to half an hour!
In captivity, individuals usually reach the age of 7 years. However, they average duration life in wildlife considered much smaller due to predators (snakes, birds, turtles, possums). Today, these bizarre reptiles are on the verge of extinction, and therefore are under protection.
Behavior
Basilisk lizards are diurnal animals, so they are most active during the day, spending most of their time near water. At night they sleep on the branches. Disguising themselves by the color of the leaves is their main way of protecting themselves from predators. By the way, males divide territory, so violation of “personal space” entails conflict.
Nutrition
Omnivorous. Their diet consists of:
insects (beetles, ants and dragonflies);
small vertebrates (snakes, birds and their eggs, and fish).
Reproduction
Females are smaller, weighing about 200 grams. Males are distinguished by high crests on their heads and backs, which they use to impress females.
The female lizard reaches sexual maturity at the age of 20 months, while the males mature after 16 months of life. However, males cannot actually mate until they have achieved sufficient status in the dominance hierarchy, which can take 3-4 years.
The breeding season can last up to ten months. In January and February, mating is rare in a species of reptile such as the basilisk. The female lizard, being pregnant, prepares a shallow trench in which it then lays up to 20 eggs. Then the mother leaves them, and the babies must hatch on their own. On average, this occurs after about 88 days. Cubs are able to swim in water from birth.
Walk on water
Most animals that try to walk or run through water drown immediately because water, unlike solid soil, provides little support or resistance.
In order to understand how the basilisk lizard (there is a photo in the article) moves on the surface of the water, work was carried out to observe and record the run. The photographs give a complete picture of this miracle. By using computer programs The researchers compare adjacent frames of the video, allowing them to see how the beads of water move, supporting the amphibian on the surface. This allows the reptiles to calculate their strength and prevent them from drowning.
Basilisks achieve running on water with the help of their long, fringed fingers on their hind limbs. They unfold in the water, increasing the contact surface area. The principle of such movement can be defined in three stages.
First, the foot slaps the water and pushes off its surface, while air pockets form around it. Next comes the backward movement of the foot, and the lizard’s body is pushed forward. At the end, the limb rises up out of the water, another pop occurs, and the cycle continues. The maximum distance traveled depends on the size and weight of the lizard. Juveniles tend to run longer distances (10 to 20 m) than older generation(up to 4.5 m).
This running is similar to riding a bicycle, but the moment you stop pedaling, the bicycle stops, loses balance and falls. The same thing happens when a basilisk (lizard) runs on water. The reptile stays on the surface only if continuous operation feet.
These reptiles of South America remain one of the most mysterious creatures nature.
Page 3 of 3
Homeland of the helmeted basilisk - tropical rain forests Central America, from Eastern Honduras to the northern regions of Panama. As befits a typical tree lizard, the basilisk lives in trees along the banks of freshwater rivers and lakes. In the wild, the life of an iguana is very short and only a few survive to 2 years of age if they have managed to escape the claws and teeth of others.
The basilisk is famous for its ability to run on the surface of water. For this amazing skill, he is sometimes called the “Christ lizard.” The specific structure of the toes of the hind limbs helps the basilisk run sharply through the water.
The basilisk is diurnal. At night he sleeps, perched on branches, and during the day he likes to bask in the sun for a long time. Having warmed up well in the morning in sun rays, the reptile goes hunting. The main dish in the diet is insects and other small invertebrates. He is also not averse to feasting on chicks, birds nesting in trees, and small fish, which the iguana deftly catches. Adults readily feed on ripe fruits.
Having a great many enemies in the wild, the basilisk is always wary, very timid and almost runs away, briskly jumping from branch to branch. If there is nowhere to go, he can even jump from a tree into a river and run through the water for about a minute, quickly thrashing his hind paws on the surface while keeping his front paws suspended. At the same time, the long tail of the reptile is dashingly curved upward and helps to maintain balance.
The male basilisk fiercely defends its territory from competitors; it often comes down to fights that last until the strongest defeats his weak opponent, and he leaves the territory of the winner in disgrace. On the territory of one male there usually lives a harem of several females, with whom the owner mates during the mating season.
The mating season for the reptile begins with the beginning of the rainy season, when air humidity rises to 80%, but after the dry season there comes relative coolness. The gentleman attracts the female to him with energetic nods of his head. If she shows interest in his advances, he approaches the chosen one and lightly grabs the scruff of her neck with his mouth. The excited female raises her tail and mating occurs, which can last about 10 minutes. The male mates repeatedly with the lady of his heart, thereby greatly increasing the chances of successful fertilization of the eggs.
The basilisk tolerates captivity well, although it cannot be tamed. Since the reptile is very shy, handling it is not recommended.
In captivity, reptiles live 5-6 years.
Running on its hind legs, the basilisk reaches speeds of up to 12 km/h.
The incubation period of lizard eggs depends on the ambient temperature.
At a temperature of 24 C, incubation lasts 90-105 days, and at a temperature of 29-30 C it is reduced to 55-65 days.
There are four types of basilisks. These small green or brown lizards with long and strong limbs wear picturesque decorations in the form of high leathery ridges and folds on the throat. Closely related to basilisks are tree or helmeted iguanas belonging to the genus Corytophanes.