Basilisk Lizard

Basiliscus basiliscus

The Basilisk Lizard is known as the 'Jesus Christ Lizard' because it can run on water! This lizard has a beautiful green color and can change its skin's brightness.

Habitat: Tropical rainforests near rivers and streams

Appearance

The Basilisk Lizard is a medium-sized reptile known for its striking crests on the head, back, and tail, especially prominent in males. Its body color ranges from vibrant green to olive brown, often with light yellow or white stripes. They possess extremely long toes and a very long tail, giving them a distinct, elongated appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyCorytophanidaeGenusBasiliscus

Basilisk Lizard

Interesting facts

Baby basilisks can run on water just hours after hatching from their eggs.

Basilisk Lizards can change their skin color slightly to blend in with their surroundings.

Their long tail, twice the length of their body, helps them balance when running.

They are often called 'Jesus Christ Lizards' for their amazing ability to run on water!

Special abilities

Basilisk Lizards can sprint across water because of their specially fringed long toes and powerful hind legs that create air pockets.

Basilisk Lizards can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater, which helps them hide from predators.

Basilisk Lizards can quickly run on two legs, called bipedal locomotion, that helps them escape danger on land.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-80 cm
Weight: 0.08-0.25 kg
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Top Speed: 11 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-18
Incubation: 55-75 days

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat insects, spiders, and even some small fish from their rainforest homes!

Age differences: Younger basilisks primarily eat insects, while older adults add more plant matter and small vertebrates to their diet.

Primary Foods

Crickets
Grasshoppers
Spiders
Small Fish
Ants
Berries

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Boa Constrictor

Boa constrictor

Juveniles are prey for these large snakes.

eaten by

Ornate Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus ornatus

Birds of prey hunt basilisk lizards from above.

eats

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Adult basilisks may prey on small freshwater fish.

eats

Field Cricket

Gryllus assimilis

Insects like crickets are a primary food source.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Rainforest

These lush, humid forests are bursting with life, where towering trees create a canopy and rainfall is abundant all year round.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.