Science Fun Party: Run! Green Basilisk aka Jesus Christ Lizard

The green basilisk lizard is also called a plumed or double-crested basilisk; but its amazing ability to run on water gives this species its most recognizable moniker: the Jesus Christ lizard.

Who am I?

Green Basilisk Lizard (Basiliscus plumifrons) also known as “The Jesus Christ Lizard”. Part of the iguana family, green basilisks grows to about 2 feet (61 centimeters) in length, including their long, whip-like tail. Males have distinctive, high crests on their heads and backs, which they use to impress females.

What I Loves to Eat?

Green basilisks are omnivores, surviving on a diet of plant material, insects, fruit, and small vertebrates. They are common throughout their range and have no special status, but abundant natural predators like snakes and birds keep these amazing lizards on their toes.

Where do I Stay?

Abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, green basilisks spend much of their time in the trees and are never far from a body of water. When threatened, they can drop from a tree into the water and sprint, upright, about 5 feet (1.5 meters) per second across the surface.

My Identity?

Green basilisks are able to “walk on water” because they have long toes on their rear feet with fringes of skin that unfurl in the water, increasing surface area. As they rapidly churn their legs, they slap their splayed feet hard against the water, creating a tiny air pocket that keeps them from sinking, provided they maintain their speed. They can move along the surface like this for 15 feet or more. When gravity eventually does take over, the basilisk resorts to its excellent swimming skills to continue its flight. They are capable of remaining underwater for 30 minutes. The smaller lizards can run further than the bigger and heavier ones.

Pregnant women make a short trench where they lay up to 20 eggs. The mom simply leaves the egg to hatch out on their own. Hatchlings are created with the ability to run (on area and water), go up, and move.