Basiliscus plumifrons

The green basilisk or double-crested basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is a species of lizard native to America, and its natural habitat ranges from Mexico to Ecuador. In certain areas of Mexico it is known as tequereque or "teterete"

Description

Green basilisks are omnivores and feed on insects, small mammals such as rodents, and even some smaller species of lizards. Their diet also includes fruits and flowers. Among its most frequent predators are birds of prey, opossums and snakes.

Females of this species lay between 5 and 15 eggs at a time. They lay these eggs in warm places, moist sand or soil. They take between eight and ten weeks to incubate, after which the young specimen is born as a completely independent lizard.

Like other basilisks, this lizard has the ability to run on water for short distances, using special membranes on its legs that increase its support surface on the water. Despite this, it is also a notable swimmer, being able to stay submerged for periods of time greater than 30 minutes.

Sexual dimorphism

The average size of these animals is around 90-100 cm, with the largest males measuring up to 120 cm. In adulthood, males develop showy crests along the head and back, however females show much less accentuated and even inconspicuous crests. Males usually have a bulging tail base as evidence of the two hemipenes they have.

As a pet

In some places, mainly in Mexico, these lizards are captured and sold as exotic pets, which may be affecting their populations in some areas. Its capture is illegal in Colombia, Ecuador and other Central American countries.

The basilisk, like all reptiles, is not a sociable animal so it cannot be considered a companion. It is an animal that requires a lot of and very specific care, so it is not recommended for beginners or people unfamiliar with the world of reptiles.

Terrarium and parameters

They are animals of a discreet size, but when it comes to temperament they are very active and nervous, so they should be provided with a terrarium of at least 120x60x60 cm provided with branches due to their semi-arboreal habits and an area with water. abundant. The humidity of the terrarium should be constant around 75% and may increase during molting periods. The temperature should be stable, around 27°-30° during the day and 25° at night. It is important to have different warmer and less warm areas so that the animal can choose where to be based on its needs (digestion, overheating, cooling...). They must have a UVA light bulb on for about 12 hours a day, although it is recommended that they sunbathe naturally to metabolize calcium, as long as it is direct exposure, without crystals involved.

Food

The diet is practically insectivorous based on crickets, tenebrios, zophobas, etc. Occasionally fish or small rodents can be administered as a source of calcium. Despite having an adequate diet, the use of calcium and vitamin supplements is recommended at least once a week when they are adults and twice a week during periods of growth. Their diet can be supplemented with plant food, although they rarely show interest in food other than live prey.

Image gallery

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  Cria Green Basilisco

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  Female green basilisco (female specimens of this species do not present cresta).

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  Male green basilisco.

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  Male green basilisco.

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  Male green basilisco in its natural habitat in Costa Rica.

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  Zoo Dvůr Králové, Czech republic

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  Green basilisco at the Peking Zoo.

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  Green basilisco in Río Frío, Costa Rica