It is perfectly safe to aim your wand and say "Accio Basilisk!"
Contrary to Harry Potter tales, the REAL basilisk is a small lizard. I saw it on the children's program "Wild Kratts" here in North America (see note below) just this week and was fascinated. Here is the Wikipedia info:
Physiology: The basilisk has mackled blue spots and a yellow iris, on average measures 70 to 75 mm (2.8-3.0 in), and weighs about 80 grams (3.2 oz). Its growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Its long crest-like sails, reinforced in three distinct points (head, back, and tail), confer the impression of creatures such as Dimetrodon and Spinosaurus. Its skin is shed in pieces.
Running on water: The basilisk sometimes runs as a biped. Basilisks have the unique ability to "walk" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as "The Jesus Christ Lizard" in reference to the biblical passage of Matthew 14:22-34. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface and a pocket of air. They can also sustain themselves on all fours while "water-walking" to increase time above the surface by about 1.3 meters (4.3 feet).
Other defense mechanisms: When the Basilisk detects danger, it can swim at fast speeds, using its crests as rudders. It can also burrow into sand. A ring of muscles around both nostrils prevent sand from entering the Basilisk's nose.
Habitat: Abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela. Recently introduced to Florida, it has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into the leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the basilisk as far north as Fort Pierce, on the state's East Coast, where small groups have crept up the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River.
Classification -- Genus Basiliscus (more info if you look up each page to learn their differences)
= Common basilisk, Basiliscus basiliscus
= Red-headed basilisk, Basiliscus galeritus
= Plumed basilisk, Basiliscus plumifrons
= Striped or Brown Basilisk, Basiliscus vittatus
NOTE: Wild Kratts is the fourth show series (the first in cartoon animation) by American biologist brothers Martin and Chris Kratt to educate children about wild animals. They began with Kratt's Creatures (1995), then created Zoboomafoo (1999) for younger ones featuring a Madagascar lemur puppet as well as clay animation, and Be the Creature in 2003.
Click to viewPhysiology: The basilisk has mackled blue spots and a yellow iris, on average measures 70 to 75 mm (2.8-3.0 in), and weighs about 80 grams (3.2 oz). Its growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Its long crest-like sails, reinforced in three distinct points (head, back, and tail), confer the impression of creatures such as Dimetrodon and Spinosaurus. Its skin is shed in pieces.
Running on water: The basilisk sometimes runs as a biped. Basilisks have the unique ability to "walk" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as "The Jesus Christ Lizard" in reference to the biblical passage of Matthew 14:22-34. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface and a pocket of air. They can also sustain themselves on all fours while "water-walking" to increase time above the surface by about 1.3 meters (4.3 feet).
Other defense mechanisms: When the Basilisk detects danger, it can swim at fast speeds, using its crests as rudders. It can also burrow into sand. A ring of muscles around both nostrils prevent sand from entering the Basilisk's nose.
Habitat: Abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela. Recently introduced to Florida, it has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into the leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the basilisk as far north as Fort Pierce, on the state's East Coast, where small groups have crept up the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River.
Classification -- Genus Basiliscus (more info if you look up each page to learn their differences)
= Common basilisk, Basiliscus basiliscus
= Red-headed basilisk, Basiliscus galeritus
= Plumed basilisk, Basiliscus plumifrons
= Striped or Brown Basilisk, Basiliscus vittatus
NOTE: Wild Kratts is the fourth show series (the first in cartoon animation) by American biologist brothers Martin and Chris Kratt to educate children about wild animals. They began with Kratt's Creatures (1995), then created Zoboomafoo (1999) for younger ones featuring a Madagascar lemur puppet as well as clay animation, and Be the Creature in 2003.