Nile monitor lizard and common basilisk
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Nile monitor lizard and common basilisk
Nile monitor lizard and common basilisk.. Handcolored copperplate engraving from Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelms Encyclopedia of Natural History: Amphibia, Augsburg, 1794
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Media ID 14220582
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Encyclopediaofnaturalhistory Amphibia Gottliebtobiaswilhelm Herpetology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcolored copperplate engraving is an exquisite example of natural history illustration from the 18th century. It features two intriguing reptiles, the Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) and the common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus), both depicted in remarkable detail. The Nile monitor lizard is the larger of the two species, with a powerful build and a length that can reach up to 3 meters. Its body is covered in rough, scaly skin, and its coloration varies from olive-brown to gray, with a lighter belly. The species is native to Africa and is well-adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, making it an accomplished swimmer and a formidable predator. The common basilisk, also known as the "Jesus Christ lizard," is a smaller reptile, with a length of around 30 cm. It is named for its ability to run on water for short distances, a behavior that earned it the nickname "lizard on the water." The basilisk's body is covered in smooth, shiny scales, and it has a distinctive crest running down its spine. The species is native to Central and South America and is known for its agility and quick reflexes. This beautiful engraving is taken from Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelms Encyclopedia of Natural History: Amphibia, published in Augsburg, Germany, in 1794. Wilhelms was a renowned naturalist and publisher, and his encyclopedia was one of the most comprehensive works of its time, featuring detailed illustrations of a wide range of species. This particular engraving showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic skill of the time, making it a valuable historical document as well as a work of art.
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