Four species of large lizards from the rainforests of southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America. They are called Jesus Christ lizards because they can sprint across water on their hind legs, helped by flaps of skin along their toes. They are also good climbers and swimmers.
Quick answers
What is it?Reptile
Carnivore?Omnivore
Dangerous?No
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Daytime
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?No
Do people eat it?No
At a glance
Found inCentral America, South America, North America
HabitatRainforest, Rivers & lakes
ColoursGreen, Brown
SizeSmall
Length70–75 cm on average, including the tail
WeightFemale common basilisk: 135–194 g; males about double
Legs4
Covered inScales
Lives alone
Lives for7–8 years
Can swim
Lays eggs
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela; the brown basilisk has been introduced to Florida.
- What it eats
- Common basilisk: insects, flowers and small animals such as snakes, birds, eggs and fish.
Did you know
Runs across water on its back legs; young ones manage 10 to 20 metres before sinking.
The common basilisk runs on water at about 24 km/h (15 mph), only a little slower than on land.
It can stay underwater for up to half an hour.
Often confused with
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