![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/jesus-lizard-that-runs-on-water-and-is-known-as-a-basilisk-is-invading-florida/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1_Screen-Shot-2023-09-22-at-100851-PMjpeg.jpg&description=Florida's delicate ecosystem has handled a number of different kinds of reptiles that have made the state their home - but the 'Jesus Christ lizard', scientifically known as Brown Basilisks, have become the most talked about new species due to their special skill that gives them their nickname Florida is no stranger to little green creatures with long tails, but its newest mildly invasive visitors, known as "Brown Basilisks", are taking over in their droves and giving locals a rare sight straight out of a nature programme. The critter is known as the "Jesus Christ Lizard" because it can run across the water using "rapid movements of their rear legs and feet" to 'slap' and 'stroke' the water, according to the University of Florida. While they've been seen around the state since the 60s and are considered an "established non-native species," residential reports are on the rise, prompting new concerns. For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US Fermin runs a business known as AAA Wildlife Trapping & Removal Services and says he's seen "thousands" of Iguanas in his professional life, but is also concerned about these Basilisks. "Oh man, I could say thousands," Fermin responded when asked how many he's caught. "You'll spend a thousand dollars on your flowers – and in two days, they're gone." But researchers say the concern goes way beyond anyone's lawn. "While it is unknown what the basilisk lizard's ecological and economic impacts are... some research suggests they might increase the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses," says Florida Today. These Basilisks are carnivores that eat bugs, mainly mosquitoes. As they hunt, blood-sucking bugs also bite the lizards. Then, they go on to bite humans. 'It has a crest on the top of its head and then usually a yellow line running down its side,' David Outerbridge, the director of the UF/IFAS Extension in Lee County, told NBC2. While they aren't considered invasive yet - researchers ar){kind=link}
Florida’s delicate ecosystem has handled a number of different kinds of reptiles that have made the state their home – but the ‘Jesus Christ lizard’, scientifically known as Brown Basilisks, have become the most talked about new species due to their special skill that gives them their nickname
Florida is no stranger to little green creatures with long tails, but its newest mildly invasive visitors, known as “Brown Basilisks”, are taking over in their droves and giving locals a rare sight straight out of a nature programme.
The critter is known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard” because it can run across the water using “rapid movements of their rear legs and feet” to “slap” and “stroke” the water, according to the University of Florida. While they’ve been seen around the state since the 60s and are considered an “established non-native species,” residential reports are on the rise, prompting new concerns.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Fermin runs a business known as AAA Wildlife Trapping & Removal Services and says he’s seen “thousands” of Iguanas in his professional life, but is also concerned about these Basilisks. “Oh man, I could say thousands,” Fermin responded when asked how many he’s caught. “You’ll spend a thousand dollars on your flowers â and in two days, they’re gone.”