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Green Basilisk - Basiliscus plumifrons

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1994

Extirpated year:

Established status: Species are present but not confirmed to be breeding. Population persists only with repeated introductions and/or escapes of individuals.

Estimated Florida range: 1 county Not reported breeding

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives: Unknown, but may eat smaller vertebrates

Species Account: This species is native to Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Several adult green basilisks have been caught along Miami canals, but there is no evidence yet of reproduction occurring (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999). Adult males are bright green with a large crest (up to 6 cm high) behind the head, another one along the back, and a shorter crest along the dark-banded tail.

Habitats: Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns, Agricultural habitat

County	First Year	Extirpated Year	Breeding status	Notes
DADE	1994		Not reported breeding	Miami (Butterfield et al. 1997)

References

Bartlett, R. D., and P. P. Bartlett. 1999. A field guide to Florida reptiles and amphibians. Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, Texas. 278pp.

Butterfield, B. P., W. E. Meshaka, Jr., and C. Guyer. 1997. Nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles. Pages 123-138 in D. Simberloff, D. C. Schmitz, and T. C. Brown, editors. Strangers in paradise. Impact and management of nonindigenous species in Florida. Island Press, Covelo, California.

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