Range

Central America is the native home of the green basilisk. Here they can be found in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

Habitat

They make their home in forests and wetlands prefer areas which are near water.

Males maintain a territory which they will aggressively defend against other males. Within this area he will allow a number of females to live.

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Reproduction

Males with a larger crest will have more success when attempting to attract a mate.

During the breeding season the female will dig a shallow hole in to which she deposits up to 20 eggs.

These hatch and the young are independent from day one. They have the ability to climb, run and swim from day one.

Behavior

They are considered arboreal with much of their day being spent in the trees.

Their nickname of Jesus Christ lizard comes from their ability to run across the water’s surface. When threatened they will drop from a tree and run across the water. They can reach speeds up to 7 feet per second. This high speed coupled with special scales on their feet prevent them breaking the surface tension and mean they can run on water.

Another adaptation to assist this is fringes of skin which unfurl in the water and help prevent them from breaking the surface tension.

While running they hold their tail up which helps to counterbalance them.

Once they do break the surface tension they are capable swimmers and they can remain submerged for up to ten minutes.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the green basilisk include snakes and birds.

Humans affect their population through habitat destruction. Small numbers may be collected for the pet trade.

Quick facts

They are also known as the plumed lizard or the Jesus lizard, due to their ability to ‘walk’ on water.

Their name comes from the mythical beast the basilisk which was said to be half rooster and half lizard.