5-3-2019 ACUARIO, ZARAGOZA - COMMON BASILISK (Basiliscus basiliscus)

The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a species of lizard in the family Corytophanidae. The species is endemic to Central America and South America, where it is found near rivers and streams in rainforests. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard, Jesus lizard, South American Jesus lizard, or lagarto de Jesus Cristo for its ability to run on the surface of water.

The common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin-like crest along its back. Most common basilisks are brown and cream in color. Males also have high crests on the head and tail. Both genders are brown to olive, and have a white, cream, or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of the body; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age.

Hatchlings weigh a mere 2 grams (0.071 oz) and are 38 to 43 mm (1.5 to 1.7 in) long. Adults can grow to a total length (including tail) of 76 cm (2.5 feet). Females are generally 135 to 194 g (4.8 to 6.8 oz), and weigh half as much as males. The tail comprises 70 to 75% of the total length: for example, a 70-cm-long (27.5-inch-long) common basilisk would have a 50-cm-long (19.5-inch-long) tail. The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw-like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw. While the common basilisk is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer, and has been known to stay underwater for up to half an hour. The average lifespan is seven years in captivity; in the wild, it tends to be less because of predators.

When startled, the common basilisk escapes by speeding to the nearest edge of water—and continues sprinting. The lizard runs on only its hind legs in an upright position, holding its forelegs to its sides. The common basilisk is adroit on water because its feet are large and equipped with flaps of skin along the toes that allow it to catch on tiny air bubbles. When moving quickly, the lizard can cross a surface of water before sinking. On water, it runs at an average speed of 24.1 km/h (15 mph), which is just a little slower than its speed on land. Younger basilisks can run 10 to 20 m (33 to 66 ft) on water, while adults cross only a few meters before sinking. Adults do not move slowly, but they weigh more and cannot sprint for as long a time. Once a basilisk submerges, it continues swimming until it is sufficiently far from its pursuer — if the predator has followed past the bank. Although the common basilisk stays close to water to escape terrestrial predators, it swims only when necessary because some other aquatic animals would eat it given the chance.

The common basilisk is found in tropical rainforests throughout Central America and in northwestern South America, usually living in low elevations, from sea level to 600 m (2,000 ft). In Costa Rica, this basilisk can be found as high as 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in some places. The species ranges from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side. In Costa Rica, it is mostly found on the Pacific side of the country. The equivalent species on the Atlantic side is the green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), which occupies similar habitats and has similar biology. 

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - COMMON BASILISK (Basiliscus basiliscus)

The Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a type of lizard that lives in Central America and South America. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to run on the surface of the water.

The Common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin-like crest along its back. Most common basilisks are brown and cream in color. Males also have high crests on the head and tail. Both sexes are brown to olive, and have a white, cream, or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of the body; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age. The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw-like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw. While it is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer, and has been known to stay underwater for up to half an hour.

Common basilisks are found throughout Central America and in northwestern South America. They range from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side. In Costa Rica, they are mostly found on the Pacific side of the country. Common basilisks inhabit tropical dry lowland forests, and wet and moist forests near streams, lakes, and rivers.

26-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - COMMON BASILISK (Basiliscus basiliscus)

The Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a type of lizard that lives in Central America and South America. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to run on the surface of the water.

The Common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin-like crest along its back. Most common basilisks are brown and cream in color. Males also have high crests on the head and tail. Both sexes are brown to olive, and have a white, cream, or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of the body; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age. The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw-like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw. While it is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer, and has been known to stay underwater for up to half an hour.

Common basilisks are found throughout Central America and in northwestern South America. They range from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side. In Costa Rica, they are mostly found on the Pacific side of the country. Common basilisks inhabit tropical dry lowland forests, and wet and moist forests near streams, lakes, and rivers.

Common basilisks are solitary and diurnal lizards. They spend their time foraging or basking in the sun. At night, they sleep in trees up to 20 m (66 ft) high. While Common basilisks are most known for their ability to run on water, they are also excellent climbers and swimmers and can stay underwater for up to half an hour. When disturbed, Common basilisks escape by speeding to the nearest edge of the water - and continue sprinting. They run on only their hind legs in an erect position, holding their forelegs to their sides. Common basilisks are adroit on water because their feet are large and equipped with flaps of skin along the toes that allow them to catch tiny air bubbles. When moving quickly, basilisks can cross the surface of the water before sinking. On the water, they run an average speed of 24.1 km/h (or 15 mph), which is just a little slower than their speed on land. Younger basilisks can run 10-20 m (33-66 ft) on water, while adults cross only a few meters before sinking. Adults do not move slowly, but they weigh more and cannot sprint for as long a time. Once a basilisk submerges, it continues swimming until it is sufficiently far from its pursuer - if the predator has followed past the bank. Although Common basilisks stay close to water to escape terrestrial predators, they swim only when necessary because some other aquatic animals would eat them given the chance.

28-3-2017 CARARA NAT PARK, COSTA RICA - COMMON BASILISK (Basiliscus basiliscus)

The Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a type of lizard that lives in Central America and South America. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to run on the surface of the water.

The Common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin-like crest along its back. Most common basilisks are brown and cream in color. Males also have high crests on the head and tail. Both sexes are brown to olive, and have a white, cream, or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of the body; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age. The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw-like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw. While it is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer, and has been known to stay underwater for up to half an hour.

Common basilisks are found throughout Central America and in northwestern South America. They range from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side. In Costa Rica, they are mostly found on the Pacific side of the country. Common basilisks inhabit tropical dry lowland forests, and wet and moist forests near streams, lakes, and rivers.

Common basilisks are solitary and diurnal lizards. They spend their time foraging or basking in the sun. At night, they sleep in trees up to 20 m (66 ft) high. While Common basilisks are most known for their ability to run on water, they are also excellent climbers and swimmers and can stay underwater for up to half an hour. When disturbed, Common basilisks escape by speeding to the nearest edge of the water - and continue sprinting. They run on only their hind legs in an erect position, holding their forelegs to their sides. Common basilisks are adroit on water because their feet are large and equipped with flaps of skin along the toes that allow them to catch tiny air bubbles. When moving quickly, basilisks can cross the surface of the water before sinking. On the water, they run an average speed of 24.1 km/h (or 15 mph), which is just a little slower than their speed on land. Younger basilisks can run 10-20 m (33-66 ft) on water, while adults cross only a few meters before sinking. Adults do not move slowly, but they weigh more and cannot sprint for as long a time. Once a basilisk submerges, it continues swimming until it is sufficiently far from its pursuer - if the predator has followed past the bank. Although Common basilisks stay close to water to escape terrestrial predators, they swim only when necessary because some other aquatic animals would eat them given the chance.