Helmeted Basilisk. What can the helmeted basilisk lizard, which lives in South America, do? UV irradiation, vitamins, minerals
- genus of basilisks (Basiliscus plumifrons) noticeably different in its appearance from other iguanas, they have a peculiar skin decoration, which gives them an unearthly, and even fairy-tale appearance.
The helmeted basilisk has a bright green color, which makes them invisible among bushes and trees. Male helmeted basilisks are happy large lizards, on the back of their head there is a skin outgrowth that more closely resembles a large flat helmet, 4 cm high. A high ridge also runs along their back and paddle-shaped tail, which is covered with spinous and highly developed vertebral processes. Males and females of this species have a scaly border on the surface of the toes of the hind limbs. Surprisingly, these lizards have the ability to hold on and at the same time run very quickly on the surface of the water.
In the helmeted basilisk, compared to other species of this genus, the body length can reach from 50 to 80 cm, while they become heavier and can no longer stay on the surface of the water. They are also very good divers and excellent swimmers. On land, they are able to run across and also fly over long distances, pushing off only with their hind limbs.
The basilisk was nicknamed the “dragon” because it is very similar to a small copy of a dragon, and unique ability run on water, some call them (Jesus Christ lizards). Helmeted basilisks feed mainly on live insects. Central America is inhabited by 4 known species Basilisks. They live in woody, overgrown areas, or settle along the banks of tropical rivers.
Synonyms and names in other languages
Plumed basilis
Stirnlappenbasilisk (German)
Lacerta basiliscus (lat.)
Classification
Squad— Scaly (Squamata).
Family— Helmet-headed lizards (Corytophanidae).
Genus— Basilisks (Basiliscus).
View— Helmeted basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons).
Subspecies- Basiliscus plumifrons linnaeus, 1758 and basiliscus plumifrons barbouri ruthven, 1914.
The habitat of the helmeted basilisk includes the territories of South and Central America: Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador. They live near water - along rivers, in thickets of trees and coastal vegetation. Their entire way of life is connected with water; they are not found in waterless areas or in the thick of forests. Basilisks are widespread and are not protected animals; the species is not in danger of extinction.
Appearance
Dimensions Most basilisks are small - up to 30 cm in length. But there is information about very large individuals up to 75 cm in length. But these reptiles can grow to such a size only in nature; when grown in a terrarium, they are still never that small.
The appearance of the basilisk is very memorable. This is a diurnal species of lizard, therefore, they are active mainly during the day, and since they spend most of their lives climbing trees, they have long fingers with sharp claws that provide good grip on the bark of trees. The male differs from the female by the presence of a crest on the head. Basilisks of both sexes are colored in shades Green colour- as a rule, the back is darker than the stomach, white spots are scattered throughout the body. Their color is camouflage, this allows them to reliably hide from predators in the thickets, especially since they have nothing else to protect themselves with.
Character
The helmet-nosed basilisk has a cautious character, it has many enemies in nature, so at the slightest danger it prefers to run away, because it has no way to resist the enemy, only its color can disguise it. Basilisks are good swimmers and can remain underwater for half an hour. On the ground, basilisks run quickly and can reach speeds of up to 11 km per hour. The basilisk can also run on water - thanks to the rapid movements of its hind legs, the basilisk can run up to 400 meters on the surface of the water at a speed of up to 12 km per hour.
Terrarium for basilisks it must be large, otherwise they may panic and hit the glass of the terrarium without noticing it. The minimum size of the terrarium is 130x60x70 cm - for one basilisk, but if you want to keep a group of basilisks, the terrarium should be significantly larger.
Coconut fiber or coconut chips, up to a 10 cm layer, are appropriate as soil; it is good to place pots with live plants in them - the plants should be large and not deteriorate from the fact that basilisks will sit on them and climb on them. Various types of dracaenas, monstera, scindapsus, and arrowroot are suitable. In addition to their decorative function, plants create shelter for animals and help maintain the necessary humidity. Strong, twisting driftwood is also highly desirable. If you keep a group of basilisks, it is important to remember that males do not get along with each other; you can keep females or a male and a group of females.
The terrarium needs to be illuminated for at least 10 hours a day. An ultraviolet lamp is needed to absorb vitamin D and prevent rickets. For heating you need an incandescent lamp, it needs to be directed at a piece of driftwood, there will be the most heat in a terrarium and the basilisk can bask there. But such a lamp should not be located closer than 15 centimeters from the reptile, otherwise it may get burned. A daily temperature difference of about 10 degrees is required.
Basilisks love water, so the terrarium needs a large reservoir where they can swim. The water in it should be changed daily and the pond washed from time to time.
Temperatureair from 25°C at night to 32°C during the day.
Humidityair 60 - 70%.
Lighting scattered. Incandescent lamp and ultraviolet lamp.
Feeding
Basilisks are insectivores, they eat various insects - crickets, mealworms, zoophobass (its head must be crushed before feeding, otherwise it will powerful jaws may harm the lizard gastrointestinal tract), cockroaches. The food should not be too hard so that it is convenient for the lizard to swallow it. Before feeding, insects must be coated in mineral fertilizer. Basilisks also definitely need plant nutrition - lettuce, dandelions, lettuce: before feeding, they need to be washed, dried and finely chopped. Adult basilisks can alternate between plant and animal foods, but young animals need to be fed twice a day. various types food.
It is necessary to add vitamins and calcium supplements to food.
Peculiarities
An interesting species to observe as it is active during the day.
Unpretentious, eats different types feed, but requires the mandatory presence of live insects in the diet.
It is possible to get used to feeding insects with tweezers, and, of course, the lizard will not become tame, but will calmly tolerate the presence of a person near the terrarium.
Not very good for the role pet because she is shy. It is not given to the hand; it can only be taken very carefully, for veterinary manipulations. They may react with flight and panic to sudden movements. If the lizard runs away in panic, you should not catch it right away, it is better to wait a little, calmly approach it and quietly pick it up.
Possible injuries due to hitting the glass in a state of panic. You can use wound-healing powders, eliminate the possibility of stress and, possibly, increase the size of the terrarium.
Problematic shedding- after molting, scraps of old skin remain on the basilisk’s body, tightly adjacent to the new skin. They must be soaked with water and removed with tweezers, otherwise necrosis may begin.
Breeding
Subject to the right conditions maintenance does not need to create special conditions for reproduction. Typically, mating occurs at a humidity of about 80%, a temperature of about 26 degrees and daylight hours of about 12 hours. It is better to separate the couple for a short time before mating. Mating itself lasts about 20 minutes, pregnancy becomes noticeable after 2 - 3 weeks - the female becomes fat and begins to look for a place to lay eggs. Basilisks are oviparous lizards, with a clutch of 9 to 18 eggs. During the breeding season, the female may lay eggs several times. For incubation, it is better to remove the eggs and keep them in a mixture of water and vermiculite in equal parts, at a temperature of 28.8 degrees in the incubator. The incubation period is long - from 8 to 10 weeks. It is important to ensure that vermiculite does not dry out so that it is maintained normal temperature. Helmeted basilisk babies are born small and require large quantity small insects as food - mainly mealworms, immature cockroaches or crickets. Cubs require feeding and ultraviolet light. They reach sexual maturity at 1.5-2 years.
Lifespan— Basilisks live in a terrarium for quite a long time, up to 10 years.
Titles: helmeted basilisk, green basilisk.
Habitat: Central America.
Lifespan: 7 years.
The helmeted basilisk is an arboreal lizard native to the tropical rainforests of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama. Prefers to stay in thickets along river banks.
The helmeted basilisk got its name because of its bright green color and distinctive crest starting on the head and ending on the tail. The crest on the head of males is larger than that of females.
Adult lizards reach a length of up to 60-80 cm. The basilisk's tail makes up almost two-thirds of the length of its body. They are excellent swimmers, able to stay underwater for up to half an hour. They also run well and quickly, sometimes reaching ground speeds of up to 11 km/h. It has the ability to run on water, keeping its body on the surface by rapidly alternating kicks of its hind legs.
The terrarium contains many artificial plants that create hidden places. The daytime temperature is on average about 29.4"C (in the heating area - 35.5"C), in the cool part of the terrarium - 26.6"C. At night the temperature is reduced to 21"C.
For lighting and heating, lamps with a full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation are used for 12-13 hours a day.
The terrarium maintains high humidity (80-90%). A wide shallow saucer with fresh water. Once a day, water is sprayed over the substrate. The substrate is soil or a slightly damp mixture of peat moss, soil and sand.
Helmeted basilisks are omnivores, feeding on greenery covered with dark leaves, a small amount of vegetables, and insects ( earthworms, crickets, mealworm larvae), snails, small frogs. Sometimes you can add some fruit to your diet. Don't forget to sprinkle the food with calcium powder and reptile vitamins (2 times a week).
Young basilisks are fed once a day, adults - 2 times a week.
To successfully breed helmeted basilisks in captivity, proper humidity, temperature and light must be maintained at all times. Basilisks breed in high humidity (about 80%) and at average temperatures of 26.6"C, duration daylight hours is 12 hours. Before the breeding season, males and females are separated from each other.
Mating in basilisks can last up to 20 minutes. Pregnant females become fat after 2-3 weeks, at the same time they begin to look for a place to lay eggs.
Each clutch contains 9-18 eggs. A female basilisk can lay eggs up to 4-5 times during the breeding season. Eggs are incubated at a temperature of about 28.8 "C in a mixture of water and vermiculite (1 part water and 1 part vermiculite). The incubation period is 8-10 weeks. Sexual maturity occurs at 1.5-2 years.
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Helmeted Basilisk(Basiliscus plumifrons)
Class - reptiles
Order - scaly
Family - corytophanidae
Genus - basilisks
Appearance
Adult lizards reach a length of up to 60-80 cm. The basilisk's tail makes up almost two-thirds of the length of its body.
The helmeted basilisk got its name because of its bright green color and distinctive crest starting on the head and ending on the tail. The crest on the head of males is larger than that of females.
Habitat
Inhabits the tropical rainforests of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama.
Prefers to stay in thickets along river banks.
Lifestyle
They are excellent swimmers, able to stay underwater for up to half an hour. They also run well and quickly, sometimes reaching ground speeds of up to 11 km/h. It has the ability to run on water, keeping its body on the surface by rapidly alternating kicks of its hind legs.
Helmeted basilisks are omnivores, feeding on greenery covered with dark leaves, a small amount of vegetables, insects (earthworms, crickets, mealworm larvae), snails, and small frogs.
Reproduction
Mating in basilisks can last up to 20 minutes. Pregnant females become fat after 2-3 weeks, at the same time they begin to look for a place to lay eggs. Each clutch contains 9-18 eggs. A female basilisk can lay eggs up to 4-5 times during the breeding season. The incubation period is 8-10 weeks. Sexual maturity occurs at 1.5-2 years.
If you are going to buy a basilisk, it is better to take a pair - a female and a male, this will make it easier for them to live in captivity. To keep these lizards you need a spacious vertical type with a pool. The minimum size of the terrarium is 130x60x70 cm. The pool should be such that the lizard can fit in entirely. Since basilisks, unfortunately, have a habit of quickly polluting water, it will have to be changed frequently. Another way out is to design the pool according to the principle of an aquarium, providing it with a filter system. In this case, you can even plant aquatic plants and launch some cheap and unpretentious fish. Then the animal will be content, having the opportunity to diversify its menu with fish, and observing the underwater activities of the lizard will be much more interesting!
Basilisks are very mobile, so you shouldn’t use live plants in a small terrarium - just put some snags on which the animals will spend most of their time. But if it’s large enough, then with the help of living plants you can create a corner of a real tropical forest! Plants must be strong enough so that your pets do not break them when moving.
Daylight hours for a basilisk are 12-14 hours. The illumination may not be very high, but extra light will not hurt. Daytime background temperature is 26-33°C (- up to 35°C). Like many other reptiles, basilisks require local heating. It can be organized using an incandescent lamp with a reflector, a mirror-coated lamp, or a special heating lamp for reptiles. It is necessary to install such a lamp at some distance from the snag - moving along it, the animals themselves will choose a place with a suitable place for them. temperature conditions. To avoid thermal burns, place the heater in such a way that the lizard cannot get close to it. The animal should also be able to crawl to a cooler area of the terrarium to avoid overheating.
At night time optimal temperature is approximately 24°C. Relative humidity quite high - 80-90%, which requires daily spraying of the terrarium. Moisturizing can be done twice a day using a sprayer. indoor plants. By the way, basilisks love to be sprayed! Like many tropical reptiles, basilisks require ultraviolet radiation.
In captivity, you can offer them products that are sold in a pet store, or you can teach the basilisk to eat foods that are not typical for them in the wild. wildlife, for example, of plant origin: sprouted wheat grains, pieces of fruit (bananas, oranges, pieces of sweet pears) or cottage cheese, which, by the way, is very useful for them. Lizards in captivity need calcium, so it is recommended to roll food insects in crushed eggshells before feeding.
Which is more often than other animals from the genus Basilisks kept in terrariums. The size of an adult reptile reaches 60-80 cm in length, about two to three of which is the length of the tail. The color of the helmeted Basilisk varies from bright green to brownish-olive. But offspring bred in captivity often have a bluish-green color. The belly of this lizard is yellow. Along the back of the lizard you can see small white or blue spots, and on the sides there are black stripes along the entire body to the tail. As the Basilisk gets older, these spots and stripes may become more blurred or disappear altogether. This color allows basilisks to remain unnoticed when they are hidden and sitting on branches. On long fingers These can be seen with sharp claws, which help this semi-arboreal species to easily move through the tropical forest.
A distinctive feature of males is a sail-shaped crest that adorns the head, back and extends to the tail. On the head, this crest resembles a helmet in shape and consists of two parts, different in size, which is why the species is called helmet-bearing. Moreover, the female has only a smaller crest on her head, while males have both of them. Also distinctive feature males have a blue-yellow throat pouch, which they inflate to show their superiority in territorial competition.
These animals owe the name “basilisk” to their mythical past, in which they were considered very dangerous animals due to the fact that they were little explored. And therefore they began to be called “snake king”, which is exactly how the word “basilisk” sounds in translation from Greek.
Another alternative name often seen is “Jesus lizard.” Basilisks received this name due to their ability to move across the surface of water over long distances. To escape from predators, basilisks can travel up to 20 meters, running on the surface of the water at speeds of up to 11 km/h. This is made possible thanks to anatomical structure Basilisk.
Their hind legs much stronger and larger than the front ones and have special skin bags located around the fingers. These skin sacs open and fill with air only in water. In order to keep the skin sacs around the basilisk's toes from filling with water (this will weigh down its paws and prevent it from "sliding" through the water), it must move its hind legs very quickly - this is why basilisks run so quickly through the water. At the same time, it raises its front paws and tail above the water. The tail also plays very important role in this process, it helps balance, and therefore the basilisks do not throw it away when attacked by predators. When the hind paws are not on the water, these skin bags are closed so as not to increase the friction force when running. This allows basilisks to run well not only on water, but also on land.
Origin and habitats in nature:
The genus Basilisk (Basiliscus) belongs to the Corytophanidae family. Previously, this genus was classified as a family (Iguanidae), but relatively recently, herpetologists identified nine species helmeted lizards into a separate family. The family consists of three genera: Basiliscus, Corytophanes, and Laemanctus. In turn, the genus Basilisk consists of four main species: Basiliscus basiliscus (common basilisk), Basiliscus galeritus (crested basilisk), Basiliscus plumifrons (helmeted basilisk) and Basiliscus vittatus (Mexican striped basilisk).
The helmeted basilisk species inhabits rainforests Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama from the Caribbean Sea.
The habitats of the helmeted Basilisk are in most cases located in lowlands located 500 m below sea level, but there have been cases when basilisks were found in areas 1200 m above sea level.
Lifestyle:
This is a lizard that leads a diurnal, semi-arboreal lifestyle, and therefore can often be found on trees and bushes growing near rivers and reservoirs. Sometimes in nature, helmeted basilisks can be seen on stones or logs, where they bask in the rays of the tropical sun. Wherever you meet this amazing woman, it will in any case be a place hidden from prying eyes.
If you get a little closer to the basilisk, it may not even move. But if you come too close, then the lizard will quickly jump into the water and, taking advantage of its amazing ability to run on water, will so quickly disappear from your field of vision or slip away among the bushes that you won’t even have time to understand anything.
In addition, the helmeted basilisk is an excellent swimmer with complete immersion in water. There have been cases when the basilisk spent up to 2 hours being completely immersed in water.
The helmeted basilisk is one that lives strictly in a certain territory, where you can meet only one male and two or three females. Two males do not get along in the same territory, but it is worth noting that this is a species of gregarious lizards, and they must necessarily live as a family, since otherwise they begin to get bored and this can lead to the death of the animal if it is not placed in a family in time. However, it is necessary to ensure that the young are separated from the adults, since the stronger adults can eat the weaker ones (the young). Disputes are also often observed among females, but they are less pronounced; the main thing is that the number of females in one territory does not exceed three.
Basilisks often become prey birds of prey, large fish and mammals. And if they can escape from enemies who hunt only during the day, then here are the mammals that lead night look life often overtakes basilisks while they are sleeping.
It is important to note that for keeping it is necessary to choose only basilisks bred in captivity, since animals caught in the wild almost never live long, as they tolerate transportation and changes in living conditions very poorly.
Terrarium: To keep the helmeted basilisk you will need one equipped with a pool. The minimum size of a terrarium for two or three adult individuals should be 130x60x170 cm. The size of the pool should be at least the size of the lizard. The water in the pool must be changed every day, or it must be equipped with filters similar to an aquarium. You can also keep small, unpretentious fish in the water, such as guppies, this way you will provide the basilisks with the opportunity to hunt prey in the water, diversifying their diet. But in any case, the water must be changed as it becomes contaminated in order to avoid the appearance of harmful microorganisms.
Content temperature: The background temperature in the terrarium during the day should be 28-30 ºC, night temperature can drop to 20-25 ºC. The temperature at the heating point can reach 35-38 ºC.
Lighting: Daylight hours for basilisks should be 12-14 hours. As is the case with other tropical lizards, basilisks need to be installed (for example,). It must be placed at a sufficient distance from the placed snags so that the lizard does not get burned.
Humidity maintenance: The humidity in the basilisk terrarium must be maintained at 70-90%. At the same time, the humidity should be higher at night than during the day. In addition, during the tropical rainy season, it is recommended to spray the terrarium 3-4 times a day using a spray bottle. To maintain humidity, it would be an excellent solution to install a small waterfall that will flow into the pond. In this way, the issue of water flow in the pool can also be resolved.
Decor: Basilisks are quite active lizards; they definitely need a place closer to where they can warm up after swimming. In addition, they love to move around the terrarium, where for this they need to place several thick driftwood that could support all the individuals living in the terrarium at once. It is also necessary to place it in case the lizards want to hide. . As with other tropical lizards, live, non-poisonous plants with dense leaves can be placed in a basilisk terrarium. But you should be prepared for the fact that sooner or later your pets will damage them with their sharp claws. In this case, the plants must be replaced.
Feeding in captivity:
The helmeted basilisk is a fairly omnivorous lizard. They should be offered mainly insects as live prey: . Adults can also be fed small mice and small non-poisonous fish.
In the wild, basilisks consume flowers and leaves as plant food. tropical plants. Basilisks bred in captivity can be trained to consume plant foods, which is not part of their diet in the wild. Such food includes sprouted wheat, as well as pieces of bananas, soft pears, oranges and other fruits, soft vegetables, and berries.
Feeding in captivity must be supplemented.
Young basilisks need to be offered food once a day, but adults can be fed 3-4 times a week.
Breeding in captivity:
The helmeted basilisk becomes sexually mature at the age of 1.5-2 years. Basilisks can reproduce all year round. Females are capable of laying several clutches per year, which consist of 8-18 eggs. The female's pregnancy lasts approximately 2 months, after which she lays eggs. All eggs laid are covered with a leathery shell and should have an even white color.
It is necessary to closely monitor the females, and if they increase in size in the abdominal area, then a container should be placed in the terrarium. It is recommended to choose a plastic container, about 20 cm high. At the bottom of the container you need to put a layer of sand, 2 cm thick, and a layer of moss, 6 cm thick. The substrate in the masonry container must always be moistened. As soon as the female has finished laying and weaned, she can be transferred to the incubator. The incubation process lasts 26-31 days, at a constant temperature of 26-34 ° C. The helmeted basilisk does not have the instinct to care for offspring, and therefore young individuals cannot be left with adults, as they can be eaten by their parents.
After hatching, the offspring of helmeted basilisks can not be fed for two days, since during this time they absorb the protein obtained from the egg. After which you can start offering them a crushed mixture of bananas, pears and apples. Small basilisks prefer to stay in thickets near water. They are very careful, timid and agile - this is what saves them in the wild from numerous enemies.
