Category: Reptiles
Basilisks are native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern Columbia. They have been nicknamed “Jesus Christ lizards” due to their ability to sprint quickly over the surface of water when fleeing predators, aided by their webbed feet. They are further distinguishable by their three crests on their head, body, and tail – if you’re lucky enough to spot one of these masters of camouflage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_basilisk
http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Lizard-Species/Brown-Basilisk-(Striped-or-Common)/
The not-a-snake
The slow worm has a long body, lacks limbs, and is covered in lustrous scales - so is it a snake? No, it is a lizard! Because unlike snakes, the slow worm has eyelids, visible ears, and like many lizards, its tail can break off in the mouth of a predator, allowing them to escape for another day. The slow worm belongs to the Anguidae family, and similarly (but independently) lost their limbs to better adapt to their environments. These “not-snakes” can be found in gardens throughout Europe and the UK, helping to control the population of slugs and other pests, though you probably won’t see any if you have a cat: a slow worm will likely prove a favorite food of your cat!
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