Plumed basilisk

Basiliscus plumifrons · The plumed basilisk is a lizard native to southern Mexico and northern Colombia that inhabits hot, humid rainforests near streams and rivers.

Also called Green basilisk, Double-crested basilisk, Jesus Christ lizard, Green crested basilisk.

Plumed basilisk
Photo: Marcel Burkhard/ Cele4, www.tierlexikon.ch, CC BY-SA 3.0
Plumed basilisk
Photo: © Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 4.0
Plumed basilisk
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyCorytophanidae
GenusBasiliscus
SpeciesBasiliscus plumifrons

Where it lives

Rainforest rivers and streams from Honduras to Panama.

Fun facts

  • Adult plumed basilisks can sprint across the surface of water at speeds of about 2.14 m/s (7.0 ft/s).
  • The plumed basilisk is an excellent swimmer and can stay underwater for up to an hour.
  • This is the largest basilisk species, reaching up to 3 feet (91 cm) in total length including its tail.
  • Baby basilisks hatch fully independent, weighing only about 2 grams and measuring just 43 mm (1.7 in).

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).