Aquetilis
Species Evolution: Basilisk to Aqueptilis
Over time, the basilisk lizard adapted and evolved to become an Aqueptilis. Previously capable of running bipedally on water, basilisks over time became a creature better fit for survival. Aqueptilis have the addition of stronger swimming and better features for hunting food.
Etymology and History
Aqueptilis derives its name from the words “aqua” and “reptilis”. The root word aqua is the latin root meaning water[1]. The other half of the name comes from the Latin root for reptile, reptilis[2].
Survival
Swimming
The Aqueptilis still has the best parts of the basilisk lizard’s swimming, the many fins running along the back. Its new features include highly webbed feet and a stronger tail that both allow for more accurate swimming.
Hunting
The Aqueptilis can run on water as well as land while using its long, 10-inch, sticky tongue (shorter than one-third of its body) to capture its prey. It can also put its body underwater while keeping its head up, allowing it to catch food and swim simultaneously.
Defense
The Aqueptilis can use its heavily webbed yet clawed hands to burrow into riverbanks to avoid its predators. It can also escape from a chase by sprinting away on a lake or river.
Running on Water
The Aqueptilis can run on water as its body has evolved to do so. They create force by vertically hitting down on the water very quickly with their feet. Their upward movement and thrust is mostly generated from slapping and stroking through the water. Water is pushed away to form an air pocket in this motion so they can easily move their legs to another stroke[3].
Ecology
Habitat
The Aqueptilis lives in tropical rainforests, however from spending more time in the water, it has webbed feet and can swim.
Diet
Aqueptilis eat mostly insects, worms, and flies. They are mainly hunted by birds of prey, opossums, coati, and snakes.
References
- ↑ "aqua- | Meaning of prefix aqua- by etymonline". www.etymonline.com. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ↑ "reptilis | Search Online Etymology Dictionary". www.etymonline.com. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ↑ Sharp, Nicole (2016-02-29). "The Basilisk Lizard". FYFD. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
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