Basilisk - biology.

Basilisk - biology. Basilisk, common name for a genus of lizards of the helmeted, or casque-headed, iguana family. These harmless reptiles are named for the fierce-looking mythical monster that could kill with its breath or even with a glance from its evil eye. Basilisks are lively animals and can move rapidly on their hind legs. In fact, they are known for crossing still waters in a nearly upright position. This surprising ability has led to the widespread belief that basilisks are able to walk on water. In fact, the hind foot providing the forward and upward thrust at any given moment is an inch or more underwater, but it is buoyed up by the air bubble that is momentarily trapped beneath the basilisk's webbed foot. Four species of basilisk are found in tropical America from Mexico to Ecuador. These mostly insectivorous tree dwellers grow to about 70 cm (about 28 in), most of the length being in the slender, whiplike tail. Their back legs are particularly well developed so that when at rest, they squat like frogs. Adult male basilisks are adorned with two crests: one along the back of the head and neck, and another along the middle of the back and tail. The banded basilisk is brown with a longitudinal yellow band along each side of the body; other species are brownish or greenish. Scientific classification: Basilisks make up the genus Basiliscus of the family Corytophanidae. The banded basilisk is classified as Basiliscus vittatus. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.