Basilisk: The Running Lizard

The basilisk is a fascinating reptile that has captured the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts for its uncanny ability to move through water. Belonging to the genus Basiliscus , these Neotropical lizards are found from southwestern Ecuador to northeastern Mexico , primarily inhabiting riparian areas of tropical rainforests and humid forests.

Throughout its range, the basilisk plays a key role in ecosystems, controlling populations of insects and small vertebrates. Its presence in countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Mexico makes it a symbol of tropical biodiversity. In this article, we will explain their characteristics, behavior, species and their importance in nature .

 

What is a basilisk?

The basilisk belongs to the family Corytophanidae , a group of arboreal lizards known for their crests and escape abilities. It is a medium-sized reptile with long legs, a slender tail, and specialized scales on its feet that allow it to run on water.

This lizard has been the subject of myths and legends due to its appearance and behavior. Its name comes from Greek basilískos , meaning “little king ,” referring to the mythological creature of the same name that, according to tradition, had the ability to petrify those who looked at it.

Basilisks are distinguished by their ability to run on water, their agility in climbing trees, and their varied diet, which includes insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally fruit.

 

Habitat and Distribution of the Basilisk

The basilisk's natural habitat ranges from tropical rainforests and humid forests from Ecuador to Mexico. They prefer areas near rivers and bodies of water where they can easily find shelter and hunt.

In Costa Rica, the basilisk is a common species in many regions, especially in the Corcovado National Park , Tortuguero and the Golfo Dulce, where it is possible to observe it resting on branches over the water or moving nimbly across the forest floor.

Basilisks can be found in different ecosystems:

• Humid tropical forests , their main habitat, where they find food and shelter.
• River and lagoon banks , key areas for their escape behavior.
• Mangroves and coasts , where some species have demonstrated adaptability.

 

Basilisk species

There are four species of basilisks , distributed from southwest Ecuador to northeast Mexico:

Common Basilisk ( Basiliscus basiliscus )

Also known as the brown basilisk, it is the largest species, reaching up to 90 cm in total length. It is found from Nicaragua to northern Colombia and is distinguished by its olive-brown color with prominent crests on its head, back, and tail.

 

Western Basilisk ( Basiliscus galeritus )

It is distributed primarily in the Chocó region of Colombia and western Ecuador. It is less well-known than other species and has an olive-green color with smaller crests compared to the common basilisk.

 

Emerald Basilisk ( Basiliscus plumifrons )

It is the most striking species due to its brilliant emerald green color. It is found in the Caribbean and Central America, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Its coloration allows it to camouflage itself perfectly among the vegetation.

 

Striped Basilisk ( Basiliscus vittatus )

It lives from Panama to Mexico and is the most adaptable species. It is common in urban areas near bodies of water and can be identified by its white bands along its body.

 

The Amazing Power of the “Jesus Christ Lizard”

The basilisk is known as the “Jesus Christ lizard” because of its ability to running on water . This is possible thanks to:

• Specialized scales on their hind legs which increase the surface area in contact with water.
• His incredible speed and reflexes when moving bipedally.
• An airbag effect under their paws , allowing them to hover momentarily on the surface.

This mechanism allows them to quickly flee from predators such as snakes, birds of prey and mammals.

Nocturnal Behavior: Sleeping Underwater

One of the most surprising discoveries about basilisks is their ability to sleep underwater . It has been observed that some species can remain submerged for more than 75 minutes to avoid predators.

Predators and Survival Adaptations of the Basilisks

Despite their speed, basilisks are preyed upon by a variety of species:

• Snakes like the Clelia clelia and the Imantodes cenchoa .
• Predatory mammals like raccoons.
• Birds of prey that hunt them while they rest.
• Crocodiles that stalk individuals who come too close to the water.

However, their ability to camouflage themselves and their speed give them a great advantage for survival.

 

Ecological Importance of the Basilisk

Basilisks play a key role in the tropical ecosystem:

• They control populations of insects and small vertebrates , balancing the food chain.
• They are seed dispersers , as they occasionally consume fruits.
• They serve as food for other predators , maintaining biodiversity in the rivers and forests where they live.

The Myth of the Basilisk in Ancient Culture

The basilisk has been present in mythology since ancient Greece and the Middle Ages. It was believed to be a half-snake, half-rooster creature, capable of petrifying with its gaze or emitting deadly venom.

However, nature's "royal basilisk" has no magical abilities, although its impressive ability to run on water has kept its legendary status alive.

 

The Importance of Knowing and Protecting the Basilisk

The basilisk is much more than an exotic reptile; It is a key piece in neotropical ecosystems. Its incredible ability to "walk on water," its role as a predator, and its relationship with bodies of water make it a fascinating species that deserves our attention and conservation. As human development advances, it is crucial to promote sustainable practices that allow wildlife to coexist with local communities.

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Articles and Reference Books

BASILISKS: FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY TO RUNNING THE WATERS -Author(s): César L. Barrio-Amorós, Scientific director,

CRWild, Costa Rica

Lewis, T., Grant. P. 2009. Communal behavior by Basiliscus plumifrons in a Manicaria swamp

forest, northeast Costa Rica. Bulletin of the Spanish Herpetological Association 20: 35-37.

17. Lieberman, A. 1980. Nesting of the basilisk lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus). Journal of

Herpetology 14: 103–105.

18. Maturana, HR 1962. A study of the species of the genus Basiliscus. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool.

Harvard 128: 1–34.

19. Molero, H. 2018. Reproductive cycle and feeding habits of the lizard Basiliscus basiliscus

(Sauria: Iguanidae) from the Guasare-Socuy coal region, Zulia state, Venezuela.

Anartia 27: 27–50.