Fauna Of Mexico Part 12

Mexico is one of the few countries on this Earth that is classified as 'megadiverse'

. Only eighteen nations have the variety of flora and fauna to qualify. So it's no wonder that a trip to Mexico will be incomplete without a guided nature observation! Try spotting these unique creatures.

Plumed Basilisk

The plumed basilisk's common name refers to a mythical creature who could turn people to stone by directly gazing at them. These little iguanas are very impressive, even though they can't do that. Aside from small blue spots along their bodies, most plumed basilisks are bright green. At maximum, they can be found as large as three feet in length; males have crests on their head, back, and tail, and females have one head crest. The basilisks feed on insects, rodents, fruits, and flowers; they are territorial and protective of female mates. However, what makes the plumed basilisk famous is its ability to run for short distances on the surface of water, using its tail for support. They're nicknamed the "Jesus Christ Lizard" in some areas, due to the basilisk's ability to traverse water. Basilisks can also swim underwater, when they aren't running on top of it, and they can stay submerged for nearly half an hour at a stretch.

Costa's Hummingbird

This gorgeous little bird is a true jewel. Like all hummingbirds, it's quite small--growing to only three inches in length at adulthood. Females are relatively tame, with grayish-green feathers on their backs and wings and white on their chests and bellies. Characteristics of the male Costa's Hummingbird include, slightly flared feathers, a royal purple cap and throat, black tails, and a green back. The courtship displays of the Male Costa's Hummingbirds are quite something to witness; they show off their lovely bright purple feathers in the sun, as they dramatically dive and swoop in the air. Costa's Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and nest in trees, in their home Peninsula of Baja California.

Dusky Smooth-Hound

This animal's name is amazingly deceptive. Not only is it not a hound, but it's not even a dog! It's a shark in the dogfish family, which is also sometimes known as catsharks. Imagine being one of the dusky smooth-hounds, because it's quite a lot to keep track of, even by human standards! The sharks inhabit the bays of Central America, including the Gulf of Mexico and the shallows around the Yucatan Peninsula. Dusky smooth-hounds are opportunistic feeders, hunting for lobsters, shrimp, crabs, and fish. Their teeth are flat and blunt, made to crush and grind prey. They reach an average length of five feet, and weigh up to 27 pounds. The dusky smooth-hound is often featured in aquariums, and has been useful in laboratory testing; in fact, it was the first shark ever recognized to have a viral infection, when researchers in 1985 noticed one specimen with dermatitis.

by: Robert Nickel

POST COMMENT

Non Profit Organization Mexico, Orphanage In Mexico France Invades Mexico The Native Cheeses Of Mexico Aliens To Mexico Fauna Of Mexico Part 10 Hernan Cortes Before Mexico Have A Trip To San Felipe The Spring Break Hot Spot Of Mexico Why A Company Should Pursue Industry In Mexico? How To Choose The Best Firm In The Mexico Stamping Industry San Felipe: The Great Spring Break Tourist Destination Of Mexico Mexico Offers The Best Vibrant Range Of Furniture Le Mode Asics Onitsuka Mexico 66 Asics Pas Cher Concours Formateur Looking For A Cheap Mexico Beachfront Lot? Some Features (and Locations) To Consider