Jesus Christ lizard, Jesus lizard, South American Jesus lizard, Lagarto de Jesus Cristo
The Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a type of lizard that lives in Central America and South America. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to run on the surface of the water.
The Common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin-like crest along its back. Most common basilisks are brown and cream in color. Males also have high crests on the head and tail. Both sexes are brown to olive, and have a white, cream, or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of the body; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age. The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw-like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw. While it is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer, and has been known to stay underwater for up to half an hour.
Common basilisks are found throughout Central America and in northwestern South America. They range from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side. In Costa Rica, they are mostly found on the Pacific side of the country. Common basilisks inhabit tropical dry lowland forests, and wet and moist forests near streams, lakes, and rivers.
Common basilisks are solitary and diurnal lizards. They spend their time foraging or basking in the sun. At night, they sleep in trees up to 20 m (66 ft) high. While Common basilisks are most known for their ability to run on water, they are also excellent climbers and swimmers and can stay underwater for up to half an hour. When disturbed, Common basilisks escape by speeding to the nearest edge of the water - and continue sprinting. They run on only their hind legs in an erect position, holding their forelegs to their sides. Common basilisks are adroit on water because their feet are large and equipped with flaps of skin along the toes that allow them to catch tiny air bubbles. When moving quickly, basilisks can cross the surface of the water before sinking. On the water, they run an average speed of 24.1 km/h (or 15 mph), which is just a little slower than their speed on land. Younger basilisks can run 10-20 m (33-66 ft) on water, while adults cross only a few meters before sinking. Adults do not move slowly, but they weigh more and cannot sprint for as long a time. Once a basilisk submerges, it continues swimming until it is sufficiently far from its pursuer - if the predator has followed past the bank. Although Common basilisks stay close to water to escape terrestrial predators, they swim only when necessary because some other aquatic animals would eat them given the chance.
Common basilisks are omnivorous lizards. They feed on insects, for example, beetles or dragonflies; flowers, and small vertebrates such as snakes, birds, eggs, and fish.
Common basilisks are polygynous meaning that males mate with more than one female in a single breeding season which takes place in March. Females usually lay 3 to 4 clutches of 10-20 eggs a year. The eggs are laid in a whole which was made by a female. The incubation period lasts about three months. Baby basilisks weigh about two grams and are 38 to 43 mm (1.5 to 1.7 in) long. They are completely independent at birth and know how to care for themselves. Their outstanding camouflage allows them to remain undetected when they remain still. Young females become reproductively mature at 20 months of age while males are ready to breed when they are 2 years old.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
According to IUCN, the Common basilisk is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
