Basiliscus Plumifrons Gallery

Plumed basilisk, Green basilisk, Double crested basilisk or Jesus Christ lizard -Basiliscus plumifrons-, female, perched on a branch, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, Central America

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Plumed basilisk

Plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) camouflaged amongst foliage. This lizard is found in the tropical forests of Central America. It is famed for its ability to run on two legs on water, which has earned it the alternative name of the Jesus (or Jesus Christ) lizard. It does this thanks to the toes on its hind legs, which have long scales on their edges, widening their surface area. When running on its hind legs it can reach speeds of around 12 kilometres per hour on land or water. The plumed basilisk feeds on insects, spiders, fish, birds and snakes, and also flowers and fruits. It can reach a length of around 80 centimetres, with males being larger than females

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