Western basilisk
A species of Jesus christ lizards Scientific name : Basiliscus galeritus Genus : Jesus christ lizards
Western basilisk, A species of Jesus christ lizards
Scientific name: Basiliscus galeritus
Genus: Jesus christ lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Grupo Herpetlogico de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Museo de Herpetologia , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The western basilisk, or red-headed basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus), is a large species of corytophanid lizard from northwestern South America.
General Info
Lifespan
6-8 years
Diet
Western basilisk primarily feeds on insects and plant materials such as leaves and fruits. This species exploits its arboreal lifestyle to garner a diverse diet, which occasionally includes small vertebrates.
Appearance
Western basilisk is a medium-sized lizard with a tall, pointed crest along the length of its body and tail. Its skin is rough and brownish-grey, with lighter underparts. Males are larger and sport a higher crest and dewlap. The most striking feature is its fin-like tail, which aids in swimming and acts as a rudder. While juveniles resemble adults, their coloration is more vivid and their crest and dewlap less pronounced.
Behavior
Western basilisk are arboreal, displaying skilled navigation within the treetops. A solitary reptile, they exhibit territory defense against rivals. Specializing in sit-and-wait strategies, they prey primarily on arthropods and small vertebrates. Their fringed toes aid in water skimming, an iconic escape behavior when startled.
Photo By Grupo Herpetlogico de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Museo de Herpetologia , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Casquehead lizards Genus
Jesus christ lizards Species
Western basilisk 
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