The Common Basilisk is a species of lizard that is native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
This lizard is sometimes referred to as the Jesus Lizard due to its ability to run across water for a short period before submerging.
Common Basilisk Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Common Basilisk belongs to is called Corytophanidae. This is a family of lizards that is native to the Americas.
The lizards in this family are sometimes referred to as casquehead lizards or helmeted lizards.
There are three genera and a total of nine different species associated with this family. The other two genera are Corytophanes and Laemanctus.
Species such as the Helmeted Iguana belong to the Corytophanes genus while the Eastern Casquehead Iguana belongs to the Laemanctus genus.
Genus
The genus that the Common Basilisk belongs to is called Basiliscus. This genus contains a total of four different species.
The other species in this genus include the Green Basilisk, the Brown Basilisk and the Western Basilisk.
The lizards in this genus have been dubbed the ‘Jesus Christ’ lizards due to their ability to run on water for a short period of time before sinking.
However, they are not the only lizards to be able to do this with lizards such as the Sailfin Dragon also possessing this ability.
Species
The scientific name for the Common Basilisk is Basiliscus basiliscus and there are currently two recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1758 by a Swedish taxonomist named Carl Linnaeus.
Common Basilisk Description
The Common Basilisk is a medium-sized lizard with males usually growing slightly larger than females.
On average, they measure around 60-75cm in total length including their long tails. They have a slender body covered in green scales, which helps them blend into their arboreal surroundings.
An adult Common Basilisk is primarily green in color which aids in camouflage among the lush foliage.
The shade of green can vary though, ranging from bright green to a more olive tone. They can also have darker spots or stripes on their bodies, enhancing their camouflage.
One of the most distinctive features of the Common Basilisk is its impressive crests and fringes with males typically having larger crests than females.
They possess a high, pointed crest along the top of their head, which extends backward towards their neck. They also have a larger crest on their back and a smaller one on their tail.
Their toes are also equipped with fringes of skin, giving them the ability to run across water over a short distance.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Common Basilisk lizard is native to Central America and parts of South America.
Specifically, they are found in countries such as Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Within these countries, they inhabit the tropical rainforests and areas near rivers, streams, and other water bodies.
Common Basilisk Behaviour
One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Common Basilisk lizard is its ability to run on water, earning it the nickname “Jesus Christ lizard.”
When threatened or in need of escaping predators, they can sprint across the water’s surface for short distances.
Their specialized feet have long, flattened toes with scales that increase surface area and create pockets of air, providing buoyancy and allowing them to stay afloat.
The Common Basilisk is omnivorous, meaning it will feed on a variety of animal and plant-based matter.
They will eat a variety of insects, spiders, small vertebrates, fruits, and vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of arthropods like beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets.
They are a diurnal species meaning they are active during the day and are known for their agility and speed when navigating through the forest canopy.
They are also excellent climbers and spend a significant amount of time in trees.