# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Tropical rainforests near rivers and streams - **Also known as:** Common Basilisk, Jesus Lizard ![Basilisk Lizard](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426472/objects/5678.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Corytophanidae - **Genus:** Basiliscus ## 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 - **Water Runner:** Basilisk Lizards can sprint across water because of their specially fringed long toes and powerful hind legs that create air pockets. - **Underwater Escape Artist:** Basilisk Lizards can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater, which helps them hide from predators. - **Rapid Retreat:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ornate-hawk-eagle) (*Spizaetus ornatus*) — Birds of prey hunt basilisk lizards from above. - **Eats:** [Guppy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/guppy) (*Poecilia reticulata*) — Adult basilisks may prey on small freshwater fish. - **Eats:** [Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-cricket) (*Gryllus assimilis*) — Insects like crickets are a primary food source. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Basilisk Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Basilisk Lizard? 60-80 cm ### How much does Basilisk Lizard weigh? 0.08-0.25 kg ### How long does Basilisk Lizard live? 7-10 years ### How fast can Basilisk Lizard move? 11 km/h ### What does Basilisk Lizard eat? They mostly eat insects, spiders, and even some small fish from their rainforest homes! ### Where is Basilisk Lizard usually found? Tropical rainforests near rivers and streams ### How does Basilisk Lizard hunt? Pursuit ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Basilisk Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/basilisk-lizard)