Common basilisk
species of reptile
The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a type of lizard. It can be found in Central and South American rainforests near rivers and streams. The basilisk is part of the corytophanid family. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard because of its ability to run on the surface of water.
| Common Basilisk | |
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| Male near Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica | |
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| Species: | B. basiliscus
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| Binomial name | |
| Basiliscus basiliscus (Linnaeus, 1758)
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Walking on water
changeThis lizard can walk on water. When a land predator attacks, they gather sufficient momentum and start running on water to escape. This is a reference to the story in which Jesus walks on water.
