Western basilisk
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The western basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus) is a large species of lizard in the family Corytophanidae. The species is endemic to northwestern South America.
| Western basilisk | |
|---|---|
| |
| The head of a western basilisk. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Corytophanidae |
| Genus: | Basiliscus |
| Species: | B. galeritus |
| Binomial name | |
| Basiliscus galeritus A.M.C. Duméril & A.H.A. Duméril, 1851 | |
Etymology
The specific name, galeritus, which is Latin, means "wearing a hood", referring to the head crest.[2]
Habitat and geographic range
Conservation status
The western basilisk is common and not threatened.[3]
Description
Males of B. galeritus reach a total length (including tail) up to about 77.5 cm (30.5 in), while females reach about 63.5 cm (25.0 in).[3] Its body color is olive-green with a reddish-brown underbelly. The throat is white to yellow. On the back it has a small crest similar to that of young individuals of the common basilisk. It may have a narrow white stripe or a row of white dots on each side. It has no back flap. The adult males bear a round head flap/crest.
Invasive species
The western basilisk has been introduced to Gorgona Island, Colombia. This species is not native to the island, and thus, is endangering native species that reside on the island, such as the endemic blue anole (Anolis gorgonae).
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