The Jesus Christ Lizard, also known as the Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus), is a fascinating species of lizard native to Central America. It's famous for its remarkable ability to run across water, which is why it's often called the "Jesus Christ Lizard," as it appears to "walk on water" in a manner reminiscent of the biblical story of Jesus walking on water.

Key Facts about the Jesus Christ Lizard:

1. Scientific Name: Basiliscus basiliscus

2. Habitat:

   • The Jesus Christ Lizard is found in rainforests and wetlands in Central America, including parts of Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

   • It lives in areas near rivers, streams, and lakes, where it can easily access water and escape predators.

3. Unique Ability (Running on Water):

   • The most famous trait of the Jesus Christ Lizard is its ability to run on water. It can move across the surface of water at speeds up to 5 feet per second (1.5 meters per second) by using a technique that involves rapidly slapping its feet against the water’s surface.

   • The lizard’s long toes have flaps of skin that spread out when it strikes the water, increasing surface area and creating enough lift to keep it from sinking. This allows it to maintain its speed for short distances—typically around 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)—before it dives into the water or grabs onto a nearby surface to escape predators.

4. Appearance:

   • The Jesus Christ Lizard is a striking creature with a long, green body and a crest of spiny scales running along its back and head. It can grow up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in length, including its tail.

   • The males are especially colorful and may have a bright red or orange coloration around their head and throat.

5. Diet:

   • They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, and small vertebrates like birds or frogs. They are known to hunt small prey both on land and in the trees.

6. Behavior:

   • These lizards are excellent swimmers and often take to the water to escape threats. They can remain submerged for long periods, using the water to hide from predators.

   • When not running on water, they are typically seen basking in the sun, climbing trees, or moving quickly on land.

7. Reproduction:

   • The Jesus Christ Lizard is known for laying eggs in burrows on the ground. The female will lay a clutch of about 10-20 eggs, which hatch after a few months. The young are independent as soon as they hatch.

8. Predators:

   • Despite their impressive ability to run on water, these lizards still face threats from larger predators, such as birds of prey, snakes, and carnivorous mammals. Their water-running skill is primarily used as an escape mechanism when they are being pursued.

9. Cultural Significance:

   • The Jesus Christ Lizard has become a symbol of agility and resourcefulness due to its unique ability to traverse water. It’s also a popular subject of fascination for nature enthusiasts and tourists, particularly in places like Costa Rica, where it can be seen in the wild.

Conclusion:

The Jesus Christ Lizard is an extraordinary creature, well-known for its ability to run across the water. This fascinating ability makes it one of the most unique and well-recognized reptiles in the world. Its combination of physical traits, adaptability, and behavior in the wild makes it a remarkable example of nature's ingenuity.

The "Jesus Christ Lizard" is a nickname for several species of basilisk lizards, primarily the common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) and the green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), known for their extraordinary ability to run across water surfaces—a behavior that evokes the biblical miracle of Jesus walking on water 146.

Key Facts About the Jesus Christ Lizard
1. Physical Characteristics
Size: Adults can reach 2.5 feet (76 cm) in length, with tails making up 70–75% of their body 18.

Coloration:

Common basilisk: Brown or olive with cream/yellow stripes 1.

Green basilisk: Vibrant green with blue markings and dramatic crests (males have head, back, and tail crests) 46.

Feet: Large hind feet with fringed scales that unfold in water, increasing surface area for buoyancy 16.

2. Water-Running Ability
Mechanics: They sprint on their hind legs, slapping water to create air pockets that prevent sinking 16.

Speed: Up to 5 ft/s (1.5 m/s) or 15 mph (24 km/h) 17.

Distance: Juveniles can run 10–20 m (33–66 ft); adults manage only a few meters before swimming 14.

3. Habitat & Distribution
Found in Central & South America (Nicaragua to Colombia), near rivers and rainforests 14.

Prefers lowland tropical forests up to 600 m elevation, though some in Costa Rica live at 1,200 m 18.

4. Behavior & Diet
Solitary & diurnal: Active by day, sleeping in trees at night 28.

Omnivorous: Eats insects, small vertebrates, fish, fruits, and flowers 17.

Escape Tactics: Runs on water or dives, staying submerged for 30 minutes 15.

5. Reproduction
Females lay 3–4 clutches yearly, each with 10–20 eggs 14.

Hatchlings are independent immediately, capable of running on water at birth 47.

Fun Facts
The name "basilisk" comes from Greek basilískos ("little king"), referencing a mythical serpent 14.

Their water-running inspired robotics research for bipedal machines 6.

In captivity, they live up to 7–9 years, but wild lifespans are shorter due to predators 8.

For videos of their water-running feats, see Animalia.bio or HowStuffWorks 26. Pura vida! 🌿