Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Basilisk Lizard

Basiliscus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Basilisks are tropical American lizards. This account describes the green crested basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), which can sprint briefly across water.

Green crested basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), the representative species, in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica.

Green crested basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), the representative species, in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica.

Connor Long · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Green crested basilisks inhabit tropical rainforests from Honduras through Nicaragua and Costa Rica to Panama. They live near water and often rest on vegetation above it.
Habitat
Rainforest, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Carnivore
Food
This basilisk eats insects, spiders and other small animals, including lizards and crustaceans. When disturbed, it can escape across the water surface before swimming. Females dig a nest and lay eggs underground.

Classification

Common name
Basilisk Lizard
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Basiliscus
Source classification
Reptilia

Three things to know

  • It can run briefly across water.
  • Adult males carry prominent crests.
  • Females lay eggs in a burrow.

Habitat and range

Green crested basilisks inhabit tropical rainforests from Honduras through Nicaragua and Costa Rica to Panama. They live near water and often rest on vegetation above it.

Appearance and adaptations

Bright green skin carries lighter markings. Adult males have prominent crests on the head, back and tail; females have smaller crests. Long hind limbs and specialised feet help support rapid movement across water.

Diet and behaviour

This basilisk eats insects, spiders and other small animals, including lizards and crustaceans. When disturbed, it can escape across the water surface before swimming. Females dig a nest and lay eggs underground.

Sources

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