The green basilisk lizard is called a plumed or double-crested basilisk too. But its ability to run on water gives this species its common name: the Jesus Christ lizard.
There are four basilisk lizard species. The focus is on two I have worked on for years: the green basilisk and common basilisk.
In nature, they live along riverbanks and need access to full sun. Ideal cage size for green basilisks is 48”×24”×36”. They enjoy climbing so have branches.
Basilisks exhibit unique behaviors like walking on water. This facilitates escaping predators. It happens through rapid movements and specialized hind feet. Basilisks also have defense mechanisms and complex communication.
Arboreal locomotion or walking on water is a remarkable basilisk behavior. With the right traction and speed, they walk on water. This talent earns the name “Jesus Christ lizard.”
The green basilisk comes from Central America and tropical rainforests in Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. It has bright green scales. Its belly can be white, gray or light blue.
Basilisks have a varied diet showing hunting flexibility. It includes insects, spiders, centipedes and small vertebrates. Basilisks ambush prey.
The average lifespan is seven years in captivity and less in the wild due to predators. When startled, they sprint to water and keep running upright on hind legs. Forelegs are held to sides.
Green basilisks need large enclosures, controlled temperature, hydration and diet attention. Their colors and behavior make them popular pets. But their care is difficult.
Why do basilisk lizards walk on water?
The common basilisk lizard can run across water. Its feet have flaps of skin to catch air bubbles, letting it cross water before sinking. Basilisks are called “Jesus lizards” for running on water, like the biblical story. But they can only run short distances.
Their feet and tails let plumed basilisks run on water. The toes have tiny scales facing down to catch the surface. Real basilisks are lizards, not snakes. Some basilisks are called Jesus Christ lizards. They live in Central America forests.
Tiny water walkers bend the surface with their feet. The surface bounces back, moving them. Basilisks use their feet and tail to stay above water while running. But they eventually sink, though they swim well.
Basilisks run 24.1 km/h on water, a bit slower than people. They can dive for 30 minutes. Yes, they can drop their tails. Basilisks are good swimmers and climbers. Some sprint on two legs, like collared lizards.
Can you handle a basilisk lizard?
Basilisk lizards require extra care when handling. Wait until they adjust before attempting to handle them. Most green basilisks do not like handling. Although the plumed basilisk is usually tame, exercise caution when handling. Of the four basilisk species, the green basilisk is the best choice for a captive. Second is the common basilisk.
Proper handling with your green basilisk will ensure a healthy, safe and satisfying relationship. Scoop the lizard from below while supporting its weight. Avoid grabbing from above as this causes stress. Start with short handling periods and build up over time.
With striking visual appeal, you can’t go wrong with a green basilisk featuring an electric green body with light blue, white or gray markings and darker stripes. The belly creates an eye catching contrast. The true distinguishing feature is its majestic dorsal crest.
These semiaquatic lizards require an enclosure providing both land and water areas. Additionally, they need a warm and humid environment to thrive. Depending on age, they require different amounts of food. Hatchlings need insects daily.
Maintain 50 to 80 percent humidity by spraying the enclosure daily. If possible, purchase a mister or fogger. Basilisks are omnivorous, needing both animal and plant-based diets for enough nutrients.
Basilisks’ enclosure must provide temperature gradient and ventilation. During the day maintain 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. At night allow temperature drop to 61 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. For young basilisks keep temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Short exposure below 45 degrees Fahrenheit should not cause lethal harm.
Is a basilisk an iguana?
Biologists call 4 species of large lizards basilisks. Their body length reaches 1.4-2 meters. About 70% of the total length is a thin tail. That is why, these lizards are fragile creatures despite the large size. Basilisk, like iguanas, has a crest on its back. But these lizards were nicknamed basilisks thanks to a leathery ornament on their heads that look like a cockscomb.
Basilisks commonly live along streams in tropical North and South America. As a generalisation, they’re shy animals of mature, densely vegetated forests with streams. They prefer high temperatures and humidities.
The basilisk belongs to the iguana family. The weight is less than 2 grams at hatching, and an adult weighs 500 grams. Females and males are brown to olive in color with white stripes on the sides of the body. The stripes disappear as the basilisk matures. The lizard has long limbs with thumbs and sharp claws.
This amazing lizard was called a basilisk. She has nothing to do with the mythical monster. On the contrary, the basilisk is a cautious reptile. Just the head of a lizard is crowned with a crest resembling a crown. Hence the name «Tsarek» (basilisk). The intriguing ability is the basilisk’s running on water.
The typical Green Basilisk lizard is 30 inches (80 cm) long. As their name suggest, they are green in color, and they have rooster-like features including a crest.
Their diet consists of plant material, insects, fruit, and vertebrates. They can run five feet per second on the water. The common basilisk is endemic to Central and South America, near rivers and streams in tropical rainforests.
Many basilisks have blue spots on their body. Water walking is a unique ability. Most adults lose this ability as they gain weight. Several features allow it to walk on water – large feet, feet expand when slapped on water creating a “hole” in the water. This hole pushes the foot up. If the lizard does not pull its foot out, it will fall into the water.
As nouns, iguanid is a broader term than basilisk. Iguanid refers to lizards of the New World, Madagascar and Pacific islands with a long tail and throat patch in males. Basilisk refers to small crested arboreal lizard able to run on its hind legs of tropical America.