2492 



SCALED REPTILES 



fore-limb. The banded basilisk (JB. vittatus} , ranging from Mexico and Ecuador, 

 represents a second group of the genus, in which the tail crest of the males is low, 

 and not supported by bony rays. In this species the scales of the under surface of 

 the body are keeled, whereas in the allied B. galeatiis they are smooth. In gen- 

 eral appearance all the basilisks suggest the idea of lizards upon whose backs has 

 been grafted a fish's fin. As regards their habits, all the members of the genus 



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HELMETED BASIUSK. 



(One-third natural size.) 



spend their time either on trees, or bushes, often basking in the sun on fallen 

 stems, and seldom, if ever, venturing far from the neighborhood of water. Most 

 numerous in the vicinity of rivers, basilisks are, indeed, so common in Guatemala, 

 that the collector has no difficulty in obtaining as many specimens as he may 

 desire, although the rapidity of their movements is so great that some practice is 

 required to effect their capture. Their food is entirely of a vegetable nature, and 



