Tropical Basilisk

Names: Lizard Basilisk

Habitat: South American tropical rainforest

Size: up to 7 feet long

Diet: insectivorous; rare;y feeds on small animals; exhibits cannabalistic tendencies in juvenile stage

Reproduction: oviparous; 8 - 15 eggs per clutch

Society: solitary

Lifespan: 12 years A medium basilisk found in tropical regions of South America.

Written of in ancient Roman and medieval European literature, the Basilisk refers to any creature able to turn another to stone with only a glance into their eyes—alternatively, stronger Basilisks transform another by only looking at them. Those known as 'Lizard Basilisks' only affect humankind with their magical gazes.

A six-legged animal that resembles a Monitor Lizard, the Tropical Basilisk is one of many lizard-like Basilisks; others include the Arctic, Desert, Grassland, High Mountain, Savanna, Temperate, and Tundra Basilisk. Each highly adapted to their unique environments, they are generally masters of camoflauge; the Tropical Basilisk, however, stands out. Bright blue and orange, its scales warn of danger, toxicity. Able to spit venom from an internal sac—and having an incredibly painful bite—few prey upon this reptile. Living in the treetops, Tropical Basilisks catch prey with long, 8 inch, sticky tongues.