Green Basilisk Lizard
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Reptiles (Reptilia)
- Dietary Niche: Omnivore (Insects, small frogs, flowers, berries)
- Max Speed: 24 km/h (15 mph) running on water
- Adult Weight: 200 - 600 grams
- Typical Lifespan: 8 - 12 years
- Primary Habitat: Tropical rainforest trees bordering rivers and streams
- Native Region: Central and South America
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Corytophanidae |
| Genus | Basiliscus |
| Species Binomial | Basiliscus basiliscus |
📖 1. Species Overview
Often called the 'Jesus Christ Lizard', the Green Basilisk is a brilliant green reptile capable of running on top of water surfaces for long distances to escape predators.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Vibrant green skin with white spots, double crests on head and back, long tail, and long toes on hind feet lined with scale fringes.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Semi-arboreal. They sit on branches overhanging rivers. If disturbed, they drop into the water and sprint across the surface.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Feed on insects, berries, and small fish, using their speed to chase down prey on branches.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Females lay clutches of 5-15 eggs in moist soil. Hatchlings emerge after 60 days, already able to run on water.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Least Concern. Common in tropical riverine ecosystems, though threatened by forest loss.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- Basilisks run on water by trapping pockets of air under their fringed toes, which prevents them from sinking if they keep moving.
- They can sprint up to 15 meters on top of water before gravity takes over and they must swim.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Green Basilisk Lizard.
The Green Basilisk Lizard is scientifically classified as Basiliscus basiliscus. It belongs to the genus Basiliscus within the family Corytophanidae, class Reptilia, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Green Basilisk Lizards inhabit Tropical rainforest trees bordering rivers and streams. Their native geographic range primarily spans Central and South America.
The Green Basilisk Lizard is classified as a Omnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Tropical rainforest trees bordering rivers and streams.
A Green Basilisk Lizard can achieve top speeds of 24 km/h (15 mph) running on water and weighs approximately 200 - 600 grams. Its expected natural lifespan is 8 - 12 years.
The Green Basilisk Lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Green Basilisk Lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus) Species Profile."
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