Home PageThe Basilisk Lizard
The Basilisk Lizard is an extraordinary reptile. This lizard is from the iguana family. It's length is an average of about 70 to 75 cm.(28 in.). The average weight is about 90 grams. It can be either brown or green. The lizard has two crests: one is on the middle of the back and the tail, and the other is between the head and the neck. A crest is a piece of skin hanging from one area to another.
An absolutely amazing feature of this lizard is that they are able to run across water and only go in the water about an inch. The secret to this amazing feat is that is has webbed
feet, tis makes it so that it can stay above the water. It starts when the lizard hits the water with extreme force, since it has webbed, it stays up there on top of the water long enough until the next move comes. The next move is called a stroke. This is when the foot comes down so fast it pushes away water molecules, creating a hole full of air. If the foot does not come out of the hole before the hole of air closes and water comes in, then the lizard pulls it's foot out. When the lizard slants its webbed foot diagonally if the foot gets covered by water, it will drag the lizard under.
To its predators, the basilisk lizard looks like a tasty snack, but when the lizard spots its predator, it shoots across the water, startling the predator. The Basilisk Lizard is really unique!