Basilisk Lizard: The Jesus Christ Lizard That Runs on Water
The basilisk lizard has one famous escape move: it runs across the water. Rearing up on its back legs, it sprints over the surface of a river before it sinks, which is why it is nicknamed the Jesus Christ lizard.
Quick Facts
- Species: Basilisks, genus Basiliscus; the green or plumed basilisk is the best known
- Where: Rainforest rivers of Central America; the brown basilisk also lives wild in South Florida
- Water speed: Around 1.5 meters a second
- Nickname: The Jesus Christ lizard
- Backup plan: A strong swimmer that can stay underwater for many minutes
Can a Basilisk Lizard Really Run on Water?
Yes. When a predator gets close, a basilisk drops from a branch, rises onto its back legs and sprints across the water at around 1.5 meters a second. Its long back toes have flaps of skin that spread out to make each foot bigger.
How Does It Work?
Scientists who studied basilisks found that each step has three parts. The foot slaps down on the surface, then strokes down through the water, opening a pocket of air. The lizard pulls its foot back out before that air pocket closes. Repeat fast enough, and the slaps and strokes push it up and forward before it can sink.
Why Big Basilisks Sink
The trick works best for small, light lizards. Young basilisks can run a long way across the water, while heavy adults have a harder time and sink sooner. That is not the end of the story, though: basilisks are strong swimmers and can stay underwater for many minutes.
Are There Basilisk Lizards in Florida?
Yes. The brown basilisk, a Central American species, was introduced to South Florida and now lives wild there, often along canals.
Do Basilisk Lizards Make Good Pets?
They are tricky. Basilisks are fast, nervous lizards that need a large, tall, humid enclosure with water to swim in, so they are usually best left to experienced reptile keepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the basilisk called the Jesus Christ lizard?
Because it can run across the surface of water on its back legs, sprinting over a river to escape predators.
How fast can a basilisk run on water?
Around 1.5 meters a second. Small, young basilisks can run the farthest; heavier adults sink sooner.
Where do basilisk lizards live?
In rainforests along rivers in Central America. The brown basilisk has also been introduced and lives wild in South Florida.
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Sources
- Wikipedia: Basilisk (lizard): species, range and the water run
- Wikipedia: Plumed basilisk: the green basilisk
- Glasheen and McMahon, Nature (1996): A hydrodynamic model of locomotion in the basilisk lizard: the slap, stroke and air pocket
- Wikipedia: Brown basilisk: the wild population in Florida
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Cover photo: Hans Hillewaert via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.