Basilisk Lizard
ExploreReptiles
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
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Water Runner
Basilisk Lizards can sprint across water because of their specially fringed long toes and powerful hind legs that create air pockets.
Ability
Underwater Escape Artist
Basilisk Lizards can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater, which helps them hide from predators.
Ability
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
- 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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Common BasiliskJesus Lizard
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
How many eggs does Basilisk Lizard lay?
2-18
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