Details
Basiliscus basiliscus
The common basilisk is a Neotropical lizard famous for running across water. It basks on streamside branches and escapes into water when alarmed.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Neotropical forest and freshwater edges. Rivers, ponds, and wetlands with low branches and shrubs are typical.
Length 60-85 cm; weight 200-600 g. It has a long tail and strong hind legs, and males carry crests on the head, back, and tail. Long toes help with water running.
Diurnal and solitary, it rests on branches near water. When startled it may sprint short distances over the surface on its hind legs.
An omnivore, it eats insects, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers. It forages on the ground and low branches near water.
Females dig nests in the ground and lay eggs. Hatchlings are independent and can run and swim soon after emergence.
It is listed as Least Concern. Water running is most effective in smaller individuals and depends on rapid steps and broad toes.
