Today’s blog introduces the green basilisk pet. These beautiful creatures are not the easiest animals to keep as pets. What do you need to know about the green basilisk? How do you set up their enclosure? What does the green basilisk eat? And what do you need to know about green basilisk health?
The green basilisk is a member of the family of lizards called basilisks. This family is also known as the “Jesus lizard” because they run on their hind legs and can withstand running over water or on ceilings. The green basilisk is native to Central America and Mexico and are considered one of the most unique lizards in the world.
Green Basilisk Size
The green basilisk, like other species of basilisks, are relatively small. They grow to be about 12 inches long, including their long tail. Females are larger than males, although both sexes have large heads in proportion to their body size. Their tails are longer than their bodies and they have strong legs which help them run up walls and ceilings. Green basilisks have a fairly long lifespan. In captivity, they can live for 15 to 20 years, but in the wild their lifespan is unknown.
Green Basilisk Habitat
In the wild, green basilisks live in forests and woodlands near rivers. They are found in Mexico and Central America. Their habitat has a lot of plants which provide them with shelter and food. In captivity, they do best when they have a large tank with tall plants and branches for them to climb on. The enclosure should be filled with damp soil or sand so that the basilisk can burrow down into it if it feels threatened by predators or other animals in the cage. It should also contain a water dish deep enough for the basilisk to burrow into.
Green Basilisk Diet
In the wild, green basilisks eat worms and spiders. In captivity, they are fed crickets, mealworms and waxworms as a staple diet. They should also be fed small amounts of fruit such as apples and oranges once or twice a week. Some people have had success training their basilisks to eat dead mice.
Green Basilisk Behavior
Green basilisks are shy animals who spend most of their lives hiding in the foliage around them. When they feel threatened, they run up trees or walls and hide on the ceiling above their predators. When running up walls and ceilings, they use their specialized feet to stick to the surface. Their feet are lined with tiny bumps that help them to keep their grip on the surface.
Green Basilisk Reproduction
In the wild, green basilisks lay eggs in moist soil or in rotting logs. Females leave their eggs and hatchlings alone, but males often stay with them until they emerge from the eggs. In captivity, green basilisks are not bred often because of their shy nature and need for a large enclosure. The young hatchlings are fed crickets until they can eat larger prey items like spiderlings or small mice.
What about you? Do you keep a green basilisk pet? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please comment on our blog.
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Sailfin Lizard Care
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