Basiliscus galeritus Duméril, 1851

Size

Males of Basiliscus galeritus reach a total length (including the tail) of up to approximately 77.5 cm (30.5 inches), while females reach approximately 63.5 cm (25.0 inches).

Body Coloration

Its body is colored olive-green, with a reddish-brown underbelly. The throat ranges from white to yellow in color.

Dorsal Crest

It has a small crest on its back, similar to the crest found on young individuals of the common basilisk.

Body Markings

It may have a narrow white stripe, or a row of white dots, along each side of its body.

Body Flap

It does not have a back flap.

Male Head Crest

Adult males have a round head flap or crest.

Distribution and Altitude

Basiliscus galeritus lives in forests at altitudes between 0 and 1,600 m (0 to 5,249 ft) in western Colombia and western Ecuador, South America.

Taxonomic Record Correction

Earlier reports that this species occurs in Central America are incorrect, and these records actually refer to young individuals of the closely related common basilisk.