Basilisks: The Lizards That Run Across Water

Kiki null

Sep 23

2 min read

Basilisks are tropical lizards famous for an extraordinary escape strategy: they can run across the surface of water. This ability has earned them the nickname “Jesus Christ lizard,” but their lives are about much more than this remarkable 15 foot sprint.

Where basilisks live

Common basilisks are found from parts of Central America to northern South America. They usually live in lowland forests close to streams, rivers, and other waterways. Streamside vegetation gives them places to hunt, bask, hide, and rest.

How they run on water

When threatened, a basilisk rises onto its hind legs and races across the water. Its large feet and rapid steps briefly trap pockets of air and create enough support to keep the lizard moving. Young basilisks are especially skilled due to their light weight, while adults can also cross water to escape predators.

An adaptable diet

Basilisks are omnivores. They eat insects and other arthropods, and may also take small lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, birds, and other prey. Fruit, flowers, and other plant material supplement their diet, allowing them to use many of the resources found around tropical waterways.

Appearance and behavior

Males are generally larger than females and may have sail-like crests along the head, back, and tail. Basilisks are dinural, meaning they're active during the day. Males can defend territories with visual displays such as head-bobbing, while all basilisks rely on speed, camouflage, and nearby water to run when danger approaches.

Reproduction and conservation

Females lay clutches of eggs during the breeding season, and the young develop in the same forest and streamside habitats used by adults. Common basilisks remain widespread in much of their range, but clearing tropical forest, damaging riverbanks, and polluting waterways can reduce suitable habitat. Protecting healthy forests and clean streams helps basilisks and the many species that share their ecosystems.