GReen basilisk

Physical features

• This species is overall green with a row of blue spots along each side, which may also include some black markings in between.

• A green basilisk’s tail is 2 ½ to 3 times as long as the rest of its body.

• Green basilisks are diurnal.

• Green basilisks exhibit sexual dimorphism with males having large crests on their head, back and tail, while females only have a small crest on their head.

• Green basilisks’ crests help them camouflage themselves in their rainforest habitat.

• Green basilisks can run very quickly, even across water.

• A green basilisk’s long tail is used as a counterbalance when running while standing upright.

Diet: Omnivore

• Wild – Fish, flowers, frogs, fruits, insects and smaller lizards

• Zoo – Crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, fruit, and small mice

Reproduction

• Female green basilisks reach sexual maturity at 15-18 months of age.

• Male green basilisks use their crests to attract females and to send warning signals to rival males.

• After mating female green basilisks will lay up to 15 eggs after a gestation period of approximately 50 days; the eggs will then hatch after 55 to 105 days.

• Female green basilisks are able to lay eggs several times each year.

Interpretive Information

• Green basilisks are semi-aquatic, making them good divers and swimmers. They can also remain underwater for up to 30 minutes.

• Green basilisks are mostly arboreal and spend most of their time in tree branches close to water.

• Green basilisks are famous for being able to run across the surface of water for short distances. They do this by first getting a running start then lifting up their front legs so that they are running upright on just their hind legs, which have very wide toes to spread across the surface of the water, while using their tails as support. This habit has given them the nickname “Jesus Christ Lizard”.

• The crests on top of their heads give them the “basilisk” part of their name. A basilisk is a mythical creature that is half lizard half rooster.

Updated July 2024