Basiliscus plumifrons, commonly known as the green basilisk or plumed basilisk, is a species of lizard that inhabits the rainforests of Central America, from Honduras to Panama. This lizard is famous for its unique ability to run on the surface of the water, which has earned it the nickname "Jesus Christ lizard". The Basiliscus plumifrons has a slender and agile body, with a length that can reach up to 100 cm, including its long tail, which constitutes more than half of its total size. Its coloration is predominantly bright green, with some bluish hues and white or yellowish spots along the body and sides.
One of the most distinctive features of this lizard is the crest or feather that males have on their head, back and tail, which gives them an impressive and majestic appearance. These crests are used in courtship displays and to intimidate potential rivals or predators. Females, while lacking the pronounced crests of males, also have a slender body and a great ability to move quickly.
Basiliscus plumifrons is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, although it also consumes fruits, small vertebrates, and flowers. Its ability to hunt and move between trees and the ground makes it an opportunistic predator. This lizard is semi-arboreal, meaning it spends much of its time in the trees, but comes down to the ground frequently to feed or escape threats.
The highlight of this species is its ability to "run" on water, which it achieves thanks to its long, muscular hind legs, which are equipped with special scales that spread out when they run, creating a larger surface area that allows them to stay afloat. This behaviour is primarily used as an escape tactic to flee from predators, and although the basilisk can only run on water for a few metres before sinking, its speed and lightness allow it to gain a considerable advantage.
The Basiliscus plumifrons inhabits near bodies of water, such as rivers and streams in the rainforest, where the warm, humid environment is ideal for its lifestyle. However, although it is not considered an endangered species, the destruction of its natural habitat due to deforestation and human expansion may pose a long-term threat. Adapted to life both in water and in trees, the green basilisk is a fascinating example of the evolutionary adaptations that allow a species to survive in complex and challenging environments.
Approximate measurements of the Basiliscus:
One of the most distinctive features of this lizard is the crest or feather that males have on their head, back and tail, which gives them an impressive and majestic appearance. These crests are used in courtship displays and to intimidate potential rivals or predators. Females, while lacking the pronounced crests of males, also have a slender body and a great ability to move quickly.
Basiliscus plumifrons is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, although it also consumes fruits, small vertebrates, and flowers. Its ability to hunt and move between trees and the ground makes it an opportunistic predator. This lizard is semi-arboreal, meaning it spends much of its time in the trees, but comes down to the ground frequently to feed or escape threats.
The highlight of this species is its ability to "run" on water, which it achieves thanks to its long, muscular hind legs, which are equipped with special scales that spread out when they run, creating a larger surface area that allows them to stay afloat. This behaviour is primarily used as an escape tactic to flee from predators, and although the basilisk can only run on water for a few metres before sinking, its speed and lightness allow it to gain a considerable advantage.
The Basiliscus plumifrons inhabits near bodies of water, such as rivers and streams in the rainforest, where the warm, humid environment is ideal for its lifestyle. However, although it is not considered an endangered species, the destruction of its natural habitat due to deforestation and human expansion may pose a long-term threat. Adapted to life both in water and in trees, the green basilisk is a fascinating example of the evolutionary adaptations that allow a species to survive in complex and challenging environments.
Approximate measurements of the Basiliscus:
- 1:4 Scale Complete
- Snout-tail length 250 mm
- Replica size: 180 mm length x 100 mm height x 98 mm width
