Scamp
Plumed Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
About me
| Basic Info | Home: | I just love that Latin American feeling, from Mexico to Ecuador. |
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| Size: | I'm about 2 feet in length which is about average in my family, most of it is taken up by tail right enough. | |
| Favourite foods: | Insects, small rodents, fruit, flowers, I hate fussy eaters! | |
| Environment: | A shrub or a bush is grand for hanging out, especially if it's near water – in fact I can run on water when someone spots us me a tasty snack and it's time for a sharp exit, clever, huh? In fact I hear some of the dudes in the Amazon are calling me and my mates the 'Jesus Christ lizard'! Quite a compliment, although it might take me a while to grow the beard! | |
| Sounds like: | SPLASH SPLASH!! (that's me running on water) |
| Further Info |
These lizards have several adaptations which make running on water possible, their long toes and tail help to spread their wait over the surface of the water. Their toes also have flaps along their length which although kept folded when running on land are unfurled for extra surface area when running on water. Despite their skill and speed they can not remain above the water forever and must eventually either run ashore or allow themselves to sink and begin swimming. The distance they are able to travel on the waters surface seems to be primarily dictated by the individual’s weight with juvenile basilisks being able to cover much greater distances then adults. |
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| Useful links |