The green basilisk lizard, also known as the Jesus Christ lizard, is a remarkable creature found in Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, including Cahuita National Park on the southern Caribbean coast. This fascinating reptile has earned its biblical nickname due to its extraordinary ability to run on water, a feat that seems to defy the laws of physics.
The green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is a striking sight with its vibrant green coloration and distinctive crest running along its back. This adaptation serves as excellent camouflage, allowing the lizard to blend seamlessly into the dense foliage of its rainforest habitat. Males are particularly eye-catching, sporting large plumes on their heads that play a role in territorial displays and communication.
What truly sets the green basilisk apart is its incredible water-running ability. When threatened, these lizards can sprint across the surface of water at speeds of up to 5 feet per second. This seemingly miraculous feat is made possible by their specialized anatomy. Their long toes are equipped with fringes of skin that unfurl upon contact with water, creating small air pockets that provide momentary buoyancy. By rapidly churning their legs and maintaining high speed, basilisks can traverse distances of up to 15 feet or more before gravity takes over.
While adults can perform this water-walking trick, it’s the juvenile basilisks that truly excel at it due to their lighter weight. When the lizard eventually sinks, it relies on its excellent swimming skills to continue its escape. This unique adaptation allows the green basilisk to evade predators such as snakes, crocodiles, and birds of prey effectively.
The green basilisk is not just a master of escape; it’s also an opportunistic omnivore. Its diet includes a variety of insects, fruits, flowers, and even small vertebrates, showcasing its adaptability to the diverse food sources available in its rainforest ecosystem.
Thanks to Kristel Segeren for this image from Cahuita National Park on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. For more stories and photos from Kristel, visit her blog, The Tiny Travelogue, or follow her (and her dog’s) adventures in the tropics and beyond on Facebook or Instagram.
