BASILISK

(Basiliscus), any of four species of lizards belonging to the family Iguanidae. The name is applied because of a resemblance to the legendary monster called basilisk. Basilisks are found in trees near the rivers and streams of tropical America. The body is compressed from side to side, the tail is long and whiplike, and the rear of the head is extended into a flat lobe like a cock's comb. The outer edges of the toes have a wide fringe of elongated scales. Males have a crest along the back, as deep as the body in two species. Basilisks can run across the surface of water on their hind limbs, the body being held almost upright.