Central America Wildlife - Brown Basilisk

They are native to Panama, Belize, and northwestern Colombia and Costa Rica. In Guatemala, this species is widespread, found practically anywhere where there is a water source. This species can be found in tropical and subtropical wet, moist, and dry forests. Basilisks are lizards that have large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe. This allows them to move quickly across the water and gives them the appearance of "walking on water". Because of that they were given the nickname "Jesus Lizard".

They usually appear in brown or olive brown with black stripes. The stripes are usually only on the flanks and on the dorsal crest. They also have a white stripe, which extends from the eyes to the rear legs. The males have a larger crest than the females. The average lifespan for a well kept basilisk can be 7-8 years. Basilisks are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and small animals. They feed mostly on insects but are reported to sometimes feed on fallen berries. Male Brown Basilisks can reach 80 cm in length and females are somewhat smaller

At night it can be found sleeping in vine-covered thickets or in the open on low bushes. Basilisks are capable of climbing, running, and swimming, all with equal facility. This lizard is quite arboreal, and can be seen in bushes and the lower branches of trees, but also spends time on the ground.

Females lay 3 to 12 eggs from May to August in a secluded moisture retaining nesting site, usually a hole. The young hatch during the early part of the rainy season from June to September in about 55 to 65 days. Brown basilisks breed once a year. Sexual maturity is reached at about 9 to 10 cm at less than a year of age, and during the wet season.

Since people have been invading tropical areas, they are commonly seen in houses placed in areas that have the right climate. They are also very popular as pets.

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