Green Basilisk (aka Jesus Christ Lizard)
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Green Basilisk (aka Jesus Christ Lizard)
Costa Rica has 3 types of basilisks- the common basilisk, green basilisk and striped basilisk. They are better known by their nickname- the Jesus Christ lizard. Although they vary somewhat in color and size and where they are found in Costa Rica, their behavioral habits are quite similar.
Most associate the Jesus Christ lizard with the Green basilisk because of their unmistakable bright green coloring and sail-like crests on their head, back and tail. The other two basilisks are either brown or olive and a pair of white stripes-one on the upper lip and one along the side of the lizard is present on each side of the animal. These stripes tend to fade with age. The Green basilisk and the Common basilisk are rather large; reaching approximately 32 inches from head to tail and the striped is about 10 inches smaller.
All three basilisks are usually found at low elevations. These diurnal lizards are common along the edges of streams and lakes; basking adults are often seen on sandy stretches along watercourses, but of the three, the Green basilisk is less dependent on water and can often be found in trees or bushes at a considerable distance from any body of water.
Basilisks are active hunters and juveniles can often be seen chasing insects. The basilisk has a diverse diet and feeds on insects, scorpions, shrimp, and small vertebrates such as lizards, snakes, fish, mammals, and birds. Its diet also can consist of vegetable matter such as flowers, fruits, and buds.
Initially when approached, these lizards will remain motionless, but when approached too closely, they will launch themselves into the water, or sometimes thick vegetation. All basilisks can run a considerable distance across the surface of the water (hence, Jesus Christ lizard- walking across water) on its hind legs. Moveable flap-like skin on the sides of each toe increase the surface area of the feet. This unique foot structure, along with the lizard’s fast running speed (approximately 5 mph), allow them to cross small bodies of water without sinking. That being said, basilisks are also excellent swimmers, and frequently escape by merely swimming away.
Basilisks lay eggs and during each breeding season, females are thought to produce at least 4 clutches of eggs, with each clutch containing, on average, 4 eggs. Most reproduction begins during the second half of the dry season; with the majority of juveniles hatching at the beginning of the rainy season. Researchers believe this is due to being the period of highest insect density, assuring a generous supply of invertebrate prey. Although food is plentiful, juveniles must fend for themselves and only about 60% of the hatchlings survive the first year since a wide variety of predators feed on young basilisks.
