Neuron Expedition sets out to find asexual basilisks

The next Neuron Expedition is heading out into the world. Prof. Lukáš Kratochvíl's team will spend November 2022 in Honduras to see if the basilisk Laemanctus julioi is asexual in nature. "We will combine field observations with sampling for genetic analysis and parasitological investigations," says Lukáš Kratochvíl. The research may lead to the discovery of a new asexual reptile lineage. 

The Neuron Expedition For the asexual basilisk will spend three weeks in Central America. The trip will cover all types of environments where basilisks are expected to occur in Honduras. "We will be looking for and studying them in rainforests and national parks, on the ocean shore and in inhabited buildings," explains Lukáš Kratochvíl. The Neuron Expedition wants to capture basilisks and safely collect blood and dung samples. The data collected will explain where and in what environment the basilisks live, and parasitology will show what role the alien parasites play in maintaining sexuality and the transition to asexuality.