Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828

Size and Sexual Dimorphism (Length)

The male brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828) can reach a total length of 61 centimetres (24 inches), including the tail, while females are somewhat smaller. This species has a three-part dorsal crest that runs along the head, back, and tail.

Base Coloration and Markings

Its base color is brown or olive brown, marked with black crossbands that typically appear only on the flanks and the dorsal crest. A white stripe extends from the eyes back to the rear legs.

Crest Sexual Dimorphism

Males have a larger crest than females.

Weight and Limb Morphology

Adult brown basilisks weigh between 200 and 600 grams (0.44 to 1.32 pounds), and have long toes tipped with sharp claws.

Clutch Characteristics

For reproduction, female brown basilisks lay clutches of around 2 to 18 eggs, and can lay eggs five to eight times each year.

Hatching and Hatchling Weight

Eggs hatch after approximately three months, and newly hatched babies weigh around 2 grams (0.071 ounces).

Reproductive Timing

It is hypothesized that brown basilisks reproduce year-round, though males show a peak in spermatogenic activity during the dry season, and a peak in insemination and/or copulation at the start of the rainy season.