Basilisk Lizard

Overview

The basilisk lizard, nicknamed the 'Jesus Christ lizard,' is famous for its remarkable ability to run upright across the surface of water for short distances without sinking. Native to the rainforests of Central and northern South America, it relies on this unusual skill primarily to escape predators.

Appearance

It has a slender body, a long tail making up much of its total length, and prominent crests running along its head, back, and tail, especially pronounced in adult males. Its hind feet have long toes fringed with flaps of skin that unfold to increase surface area, a key part of its water-running ability.

Habitat & Distribution

The basilisk lizard is found in rainforest, wetlands habitats.

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Omnivore — Animals with flexible diets that eat both plants and animals, adapting to whatever food is available in their environment.

When startled, a basilisk lizard can sprint across the surface of water on its hind legs, using rapid leg movements and its fringed toes to slap the water fast enough to create tiny air pockets that briefly support its weight before it sinks. It can sustain this remarkable trick for several meters before dropping into the water and swimming normally, and juveniles, being lighter, can run even farther than adults.

Interesting Facts

• 1

  The basilisk lizard's nickname, the 'Jesus Christ lizard,' comes directly from its ability to run across the surface of water.

• 2

  Fringed scales on its hind toes unfold underwater to increase surface area, helping it stay atop the water briefly while sprinting.

• 3

  Lighter juvenile basilisks can run farther across water than heavier adults, since their weight-to-surface-area ratio is more favorable.

• 4

  It's an omnivore, eating everything from insects and small vertebrates to fruit and flowers.

• 5

  Once it slows down or sinks, a basilisk lizard is also a capable swimmer, able to stay submerged for extended periods to evade a predator.

Gallery

Basilisk Lizard FAQs