The Basilisk Lizard: A Complete Guide to the "Jesus Lizard"

Native to Central and South America, the basilisk lizard—often just called the basilisk—is an intriguing yet erratic creature. This lizard has piqued people's interest due to its unusual ability to run on water. Everything you need to know about this amazing creature is right here.

Habitat and Way of Life

Basilisks are found in Central and South American jungles, frequently close to streams and rivers. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama are home to these semi-aquatic and semi-arboreal reptiles, which prefer elevations of up to 775 meters.

In the wild, basilisks are timid and wary, preferring to be left alone despite their beautiful look. They spend their days eating, lounging in the sun, or hiding in trees, occasionally reaching heights of 20 meters.

Distinct Physical Features

Depending on the species, basilisk lizards can have hues that range from green and blue to brown and cream. For example:

Basiliscus basiliscus, or common basilisk, is brown with cream highlights.
The bright green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) has yellow patches on its neck and belly.
The green and brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) has recognizable stripes.
Their feet have unique adaptations, including as hollow bones and fringed skin, and their lengthy tails make up 75% of their body length. Because of these characteristics, they can run on water, hence the moniker "Jesus lizard."

Nutrition and Feeding Practices

As omnivores, basilisks eat a combination of plant (20–30%) and animal-based foods. They eat the following:

Insects: aquatic larvae, spiders, and grasshoppers.
Fish, lizards, and frogs are examples of small vertebrates.
Plant material: Leaves and fruits.
Every species has its own preferences. For instance:

Primarily carnivorous, plumed basilisks prefer fish and amphibians.
Brown basilisks are opportunistic eaters that consume insects and scorpions.
Young basilisk lizards in captivity need several little meals a day, with insects making up the majority of their diet.

Amazing Modifications

The ability of the basilisk to run on water is its most famous adaption. It can reach up to 15 mph because of its lightweight design and fringed feet. Hunting prey and avoiding predators are much easier with this ability.

Their keen vision and climbing skills, which enable them to easily traverse both trees and water, are additional adaptations.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

The way basilisks reproduce is intriguing. Each female only mates with one man per season, whereas males mate with several females. In a trench, females lay up to 20 eggs per clutch, leaving the eggs alone.
After 8–10 weeks, the hatchlings emerge, completely competent of swimming, climbing, and running from birth. Females mature more quickly than males, reaching sexual maturity as early as 10 months. Although they have a shorter lifespan in the wild because of predation, these lizards can live up to seven years in captivity.

Threats and Predators

Among the many predators that basilisks must contend with are:

Birds: One serious danger is the quetzal.
Larger types of snakes and reptiles feed on basilisks.
Humans: The population is greatly impacted by habitat degradation.
The IUCN has declared basilisks "Not Extinct" in spite of these difficulties.

Five Incredible Facts About Basilisk Lizards

The basilisk is known as the "Jesus lizard" because it can run on water for brief distances.
When running, it may reach up to 15 mph.
The species' forebears were identified in the ancient rainforests of Wyoming, and it has been around for more than 48 million years.
For territorial displays, males flaunt their vivid colors and impressive crests.
They range in price from $3 to $20, making them reasonably priced pets.

Preservation and Population

Four species of basilisk lizards are known to exist:
B. basiliscus, or common basilisk
Basilisk with plumes (B. plumifrons)
Basilisk with stripes (B. vittatus)
Basilisk with a red head (B. galeritus)
Although there is little information on their worldwide number, habitat loss and natural predators provide serious threats to their survival.

In conclusion

A rare reptile with distinctive adaptations and a lively existence is the basilisk lizard. These lizards are an example of nature's inventiveness, regardless of whether you're a reptile expert or simply interested in this "little king" of the rainforest. To guarantee their survival in the wild, it is crucial to protect their habitats.

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