kinds of beautiful knowledge

Origin Story

First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the Common Basilisk is native to a range extending from southern Mexico through Central America to northern Colombia. It has been documented from wild populations without association to captive breeding institutions.

Classification

The Common Basilisk belongs to the genus Basiliscus within the family Corytophanidae. It is part of the suborder Lacertilia, encompassing true lizards, and is scientifically recognized by the binomial name Basiliscus basiliscus. Synonyms include Lacerta basiliscus, reflecting its taxonomic history.

Appearance or Form

This lizard exhibits a slender, agile body measuring between 70 and 90 centimeters in total length, including a long tail. Males are distinguished by pronounced crests on the head, back, and tail, while females have less developed crests. Its coloration ranges from olive-green to brown, accented by lighter stripes along the body. A key feature is the prominent dorsal crest and specialized fringes on its toes that enable its remarkable water-running ability.

Behavior or Usage

The Common Basilisk is diurnal and occupies both arboreal and terrestrial niches within tropical forests. It is well known for its ability to run bipedally across water surfaces for short distances, a behavior facilitated by fringed toes that increase surface area. Its diet is primarily insectivorous but also includes plant matter, reflecting an opportunistic feeding strategy.

Merchandise & Prints

Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.

Common Basilisk Common Basilisk Poster

Common Basilisk Poster

Archival print, museum-grade paper

Common Basilisk Common Basilisk Mug

Common Basilisk Mug

Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe

Common Basilisk Common Basilisk Shirt

Common Basilisk Shirt

Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes

Attributes & Insights

Taxon-Specific Insights

🌍Cultural Significance

Celebrated in popular culture as the "Jesus lizard," the Common Basilisk captivates ecotourists and nature enthusiasts with its water-running feat. While it holds no significant culinary or commercial value, it occasionally appears in educational and zoological displays, highlighting its ecological uniqueness and inspiring fascination with reptilian adaptations.

📌Notable Facts

  • The Common Basilisk can sprint across water surfaces using specialized toe fringes, a rare ability among reptiles.
  • Males display large, striking crests that serve in display and species recognition.
  • Its range spans from southern Mexico to northern Colombia, inhabiting tropical forests.
  • Despite its dramatic locomotion, it is primarily insectivorous but also consumes plant material.
  • It is sometimes called "Lagarto de Jesus Cristo" in Spanish-speaking regions.

🌍Habitat And Distribution

The Common Basilisk thrives in arboreal and terrestrial habitats within tropical forests across southern Mexico, Central America, and northern Colombia. It favors environments that provide ample vegetation and access to water bodies, which are essential for its distinctive water-running behavior.

Visual Variations

High quality studio photograph of a Common Basilisk, part of the taxonomy lizards
High quality studio photograph of a Common Basilisk, part of the taxonomy lizards
Detailed image of a Common Basilisk (lizards) in its natural habitat
Detailed image of a Common Basilisk (lizards) in its natural habitat
Image of a Common Basilisk interacting with humans in a responsible pet-keeping context
Image of a Common Basilisk interacting with humans in a responsible pet-keeping context
Macro close-up image of the skin texture and scale pattern of a Common Basilisk, part of the taxonomy lizards
Macro close-up image of the skin texture and scale pattern of a Common Basilisk, part of the taxonomy lizards
A dynamic action scene featuring a single Common Basilisk (lizards) running, climbing, or catching prey in its typical environment
A dynamic action scene featuring a single Common Basilisk (lizards) running, climbing, or catching prey in its typical environment

Composition & Context

Taxon-Specific Insights

🍽️Diet And Feeding

This species primarily feeds on insects, making it largely insectivorous, but it also supplements its diet with plant matter. Its opportunistic feeding habits allow it to exploit a variety of food sources available in its tropical forest habitat.

🦎Reproduction And Lifecycle

While specific reproductive details are not extensively documented, the Common Basilisk reproduces through egg-laying (oviparous). Like many lizards, it likely lays clutches of eggs in sheltered locations, with juveniles emerging fully independent. Its lifecycle includes growth to sexual maturity within its natural habitat.

🛡️Conservation Status

The Common Basilisk currently faces no major conservation threats and is not listed as endangered. Its populations remain stable across its native range, supported by the relative abundance of suitable tropical forest habitats. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation to maintain healthy ecosystems.

🏡Pet Care And Husbandry

Occasionally kept in captivity for educational or zoological display, the Common Basilisk requires environments that mimic its natural tropical forest habitat. This includes access to climbing structures, water for swimming or running, and a diet rich in insects supplemented by plant matter. Proper lighting and temperature control are essential to support its diurnal activity and overall health.

Faq

Can the Common Basilisk really run on water? Yes, it uses fringed toes and rapid bipedal movement to sprint across water surfaces for short distances.

Where is the Common Basilisk found? It inhabits tropical forests from southern Mexico through Central America to northern Colombia.

Is the Common Basilisk commonly kept as a pet? It is occasionally kept in captivity for educational purposes but is not widely traded or farmed.