530 



LACERTAE 



CHAP. 



which reaches a length of 18 inches, is green, but the hues are 

 very variable, and within a short time the creature can change 

 into dull brown, with or without blackish spots and bands, or 

 with whitish spots and black lines on the head and other parts 

 of the body. 



Basiliscus is remarkable for the high and erectile crests which 

 are developed on the back and tail of the males. The toes are 

 bordered on the outer side with small lobes. The limbs are 

 long, the hind-limbs when stretched forwards reaching the tip 



FIG. 131. Basiliscus americanus (male). 



of the snout. Several species in Central America and the 

 adjoining countries to the south. 



B. americanus reaches the considerable length of nearly 3 

 feet. The male has a crest on the top of the head, and this is 

 produced backwards into a leathery lobe. The back is adorned 

 with a very high crest ; the folds and dark-coloured marks in 

 which give, in the accompanying illustration, the impression that 

 the crest is supported by spines. The long tail carries a similar 

 crest. The general colour of the " Basilisc " is green and brown 

 with dark cross-bars on the back. The crest of the male is 

 said to be red. These creatures are very common amidst the 



