Post by stano40 on May 4, 2008 17:53:17 GMT -5
Another new entry into our reptile family is Miami. No not the city Miami, but a female brown or striped basilisk with some attitude.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Corytophanidae
Genus: Basiliscus
Species: B. vittatus
Binomial name
Basiliscus vittatus
Wiegmann, 1828
Along with the Common Basilisk they have the nickname "Jesus Lizard" because when fleeing from a predator, they are very fast and can even run on top of the water. Basilisks actually have large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe. The fact that they move quickly across the water, aided by their web-like feet, gives them the appearance of "walking on water". Smaller basilisks can run about 10-20 meters on the water without sinking. Young basilisks can usually run farther than older ones. If the animal faces danger, it starts to run very fast on the surface of a river or a lake. Then the flaps on its hind feet are opened and thus more surface area is provided for it to run on water.
"Miami"
If you never tried to catch a basilisk, prepare yourself for a test in speed. You know the expression, "The hand is quicker than the eye". Well this little lady can make you a believer.
The basilisk is also excellent in concealing itself in the brush and remaining still for long periods at a time to avoid predators.
bob
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Corytophanidae
Genus: Basiliscus
Species: B. vittatus
Binomial name
Basiliscus vittatus
Wiegmann, 1828
Along with the Common Basilisk they have the nickname "Jesus Lizard" because when fleeing from a predator, they are very fast and can even run on top of the water. Basilisks actually have large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe. The fact that they move quickly across the water, aided by their web-like feet, gives them the appearance of "walking on water". Smaller basilisks can run about 10-20 meters on the water without sinking. Young basilisks can usually run farther than older ones. If the animal faces danger, it starts to run very fast on the surface of a river or a lake. Then the flaps on its hind feet are opened and thus more surface area is provided for it to run on water.
"Miami"
If you never tried to catch a basilisk, prepare yourself for a test in speed. You know the expression, "The hand is quicker than the eye". Well this little lady can make you a believer.
The basilisk is also excellent in concealing itself in the brush and remaining still for long periods at a time to avoid predators.
bob
