Basiliscus is a genus of large corytophanid lizards, commonly known as basilisks, which are endemic to southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The genus contains four species, which are commonly known as the Jesus Christ lizard, or simply the Jesus lizard, due to their ability to run across water for significant distances before sinking due to the large surface area of their feet.
Both the generic name, Basiliscus, and the common name, "basilisk", derive from the Greek basilískos (βασιλίσκος) meaning "little king". The specific epithet, vittatus, which is Latin for "striped", was given in Carl Linnæus' 10th edition of Systema Naturæ.[1]
Basilisks on average measure 70to in total length (including tail). Their growth is perpetual, fast when they are young and nonlinear for mature basilisks. Their skin is shed in pieces.
Basilisks are oviparous and lay 8–18 eggs.
Basilisks sometimes run bipedally. Basilisks have the ability to "run" on water, and because of this, they have been dubbed the "Jesus Christ lizard" in reference to the biblical passage of Jesus walking on water.[2] On water, basilisks can run at a velocity of 1.5abbr=offNaNabbr=off per second for approximately 4.5abbr=offNaNabbr=off before sinking on all fours and swimming.[2] Flaps between their toes help support basilisks, creating a larger surface and pockets of air, giving them the ability to run across water.[2]
A similar behavior, running bipedally across water, is known from the sailfin lizards and a few species of anole lizards.[3] [4]
Basilisks can burrow into sand to hide from predators; a ring of muscles around both nostrils prevents sand from entering the nose.
Basilisks are abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela.
The species Basiliscus vittatus (brown basilisk) has been introduced to Florida.[5] It has adapted to the colder winters by burrowing into leaf litter for warmth. Current reports sight the brown basilisk as far north as Fort Pierce, on the state's East Coast, where small groups have crept up the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River. Mainly it has been seen in Boca Raton and other cities in Palm Beach County. as seen in this photo taken in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Genus Basiliscus has four extant species:
| Image | Scientific name | Common Name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basiliscus basiliscus | common basilisk | from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela | |
| Basiliscus galeritus | western basilisk, red-headed basilisk | western Colombia and western Ecuador | |
| Basiliscus plumifrons | plumed basilisk, green basilisk, double crested basilisk | eastern Honduras, through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, to western Panama | |
| Basiliscus vittatus | brown basilisk, striped basilisk | Mexico, Central America and adjacent northwestern Colombia | |