A relatively small basilisk found in the arctic.

Names: Lizard Basilisk, Arctic Basilisk

Habitat: Arctic tundra

Size: up to 3 feet long

Diet: omnivorous; vegetation, fruits, insects, small animals

Reproduction: oviparous; iteroparous

Society: solitary

Lifespan: 6 years

One of the world's northernmost reptiles, the Tundra Basilisk hibernates from September to mid-March; living in harsh, arctic climates, it is only active a short time. Replenishing their energy after waking, once they have fed and found a temporary home, they prepare for courtship. Breeding from April to May, young are not actually born until after hibernation. A rarity, Tundra Basilisks give live birth to offspring; fully functional, they are deposited in their mother's hibernation den and left to fend for themselves.

Moving quickly and sporadically, the creatures spend almost all of their waking hours hunting and bulking up for the winter. Their scales are brown and yellow, with bands of green running in wavy bands down the body. Unblinking and alert, looking into the eyes of this basilisk does not turn one to stone, but causes momentary paralysis. Six-legged and great at hiding, their scales fade to gray hues before winter arrives.