Basilisk Lizard, aka 'Jesus Christ Lizard,' Walks on Water

Basilisk lizards are medium-sized reptiles with long, slender bodies and tails that make up most of their length. Adult green basilisks, for example, can reach up to 3 feet (0.9 meters), including their tails. The female common basilisk is often smaller than its male counterparts.

The plumed basilisk has crest-like plumes on its head, back and tail. Its bright-green coloration, often adorned with bluish markings, provides excellent camouflage in their forested habitats.

Common basilisks, on the other hand, are typically brown or olive with light stripes, making them harder to spot in drier environments.

All basilisk species have large hind legs with elongated toes fringed with skin, which allow them to run across water at speeds of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) per second.

Basilisks have special feet with long, spiny toes that create a large surface area. When they run across the water, their feet push down on the water, creating tiny pockets of air.

This air, combined with the rapid foot movements, reduces the surface tension of the water, allowing the lizard to stay afloat.

But remember, this isn't magic! It's all science. The basilisk lizard's ability to walk on water is a result of careful timing, precise foot placement and the laws of physics.

There are four basilisk species, each with unique traits and ranges.

Basilisk lizards are generally solitary creatures, but they can be observed basking in groups near water sources.

Male green basilisks are territorial and will display aggressive behaviors, such as head bobbing and chasing, to defend their space. Female common basilisks, however, are less aggressive and often move between territories.

During the breeding season, males attract females with elaborate displays, including their colorful crests and dynamic movements. These social behaviors are key to maintaining their populations in the wild.

The life cycle of a basilisk lizard begins when a female lays a clutch of eggs in a shallow nest, typically in sandy soil near water. Female common basilisks can lay up to 20 eggs per clutch, and the eggs hatch after about two to three months.

Juvenile basilisks are independent from birth and must quickly learn to evade predators.

Young basilisks grow rapidly, reaching maturity within a year. As they age, their crests and colors become more pronounced, particularly in males. These lizards can live up to seven years in the wild and even longer in captivity under proper care.

Basilisk lizards are omnivores, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, flowers and small animals like frogs and fish. Juvenile basilisks primarily eat insects, which provide the protein they need to grow rapidly. As they mature, their diet expands to include more plant matter and larger prey.

In captivity, basilisks thrive on a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables and live insects. Providing the right diet is crucial for keeping captive basilisks healthy and active.

Basilisk lizards inhabit tropical rainforests, wetlands and riverbanks throughout Central and South America. They are particularly abundant in countries like Costa Rica, where dense vegetation and abundant water sources provide the perfect habitat.

These environments allow them to utilize their unique ability to escape predators by running across water.

Their preference for areas near water makes them vital contributors to their ecosystems, helping control insect populations and dispersing seeds from the fruits they eat. You can also keep a captive basilisk as a pet, so long as you provide it with an aquarium that fits its needs.

Most basilisk species are not currently listed as endangered, but habitat destruction and urban development pose significant threats to their populations. As countries clear rainforests for agriculture or construction, the natural habitats of basilisk lizards are shrinking, forcing them into smaller, fragmented areas.

In regions like Costa Rica, conservation efforts aim to preserve the rainforests that support basilisk populations. Educating people about their ecological importance and protecting their habitats are key to ensuring these water-walking wonders continue to thrive in the wild.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.