Brown Basilisk
ExploreReptiles
Brown Basilisk
basiliscus vittatus
The Brown Basilisk is a lizard that can run on water! It has a cool crest on its head that makes it look like a little dinosaur!
Habitat: Tropical rainforests near rivers and streams.
Appearance
The Brown Basilisk has a slender body with olive to brown scales, often marked with darker crossbands and yellowish stripes along its flanks. Males display distinct crests on their head, back, and tail, making them look like miniature dinosaurs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyCorytophanidaeGenusBasiliscus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby basilisks can run on water almost immediately after hatching!
Its big hind feet have fringes that fan out, helping it run on water!
Males have three crests: one on the head, one on the back, and one on the tail!
They lay their eggs in burrows, sometimes digging tunnels up to 30 cm deep!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Walker
Brown Basilisks can sprint across water because of specialized feet and a fast running style that helps them escape predators.
Ability
Underwater Escape
Brown Basilisks can dive and stay submerged for long periods because they can hold their breath, which helps them hide from threats.
Ability
Color Change Camouflage
Brown Basilisks can subtly change their skin color to blend in because of specialized cells, helping them hide from predators and prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 50-80 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-0.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-7 years
- Top Speed
- 11 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 3 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-18
- Incubation
- 60-75 days
Diet & Feeding
They munch on insects and spiders, but also enjoy a juicy fruit or flower now and then!
Primary Foods
- insects
- spiders
- snails
- small fish
- fruits
- flowers
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictor
A large snake that preys on lizards.
eaten by
Mexican Parrot Snake
Leptophis mexicanus
A slender snake that eats lizards.
eats
Field Cricket
Gryllus assimilis
A common insect often caught by basilisks.
eats
Gray Bird Grasshopper
Schistocerca nitens
A large grasshopper eaten by these lizards.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Jesus Christ lizardWater runner
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Brown Basilisk?
50-80 cm
How much does Brown Basilisk weigh?
0.2-0.6 kg
How long does Brown Basilisk live?
5-7 years
How fast can Brown Basilisk move?
11 km/h
What does Brown Basilisk eat?
They munch on insects and spiders, but also enjoy a juicy fruit or flower now and then!
How fast can Brown Basilisk swim?
3 km/h
Where is Brown Basilisk usually found?
Tropical rainforests near rivers and streams.
How does Brown Basilisk hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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