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Quick answer
The green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is a Central American lizard nicknamed the "Jesus Christ lizard" for sprinting across water on hind legs. Crested males are vivid green; adults weigh about 200 g, live along rainforest rivers from Honduras to Panama, and are listed Least Concern.
Top questions about the Green Basilisk
Green Basilisk facts at a glance
- Weight 200 g
- Length 70 cm
- Top speed 12 km/h
- Lifespan 8 years
| Scientific name | Basiliscus plumifrons |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Habitat | Riversides and lowland rainforest |
| Lifespan | Around 8 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.2 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 12 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Corytophanidae |
| Genus | Basiliscus |
Where it lives
The green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is native to Rainforests of Central America from Honduras to Costa Rica and Panama. — recorded across North America in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a green basilisk?
An adult green basilisk measures 70 cm long — about 40% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 200 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of green basilisks called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Green Basilisks is called a lounge.
Baby name
A baby Green Basilisk is called a hatchling.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Water-running specialist
Fringed toes slap the surface fast enough to keep the lizard atop water for many metres before diving and swimming. Males sport prominent sail-like crests on head and back.
Riverside omnivore
Diet mixes insects, small vertebrates, flowers, and fruit taken in streamside vegetation and on the ground. Across its range it is tied to riversides and lowland rainforest, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Honduras to Panama waterways
Lowland rainforest riversides from Honduras through Costa Rica and Panama — always near water escape routes. Across its range it is tied to riversides and lowland rainforest, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Pet trade pressure local
Least Concern in the wild, though collection for the pet trade and riverside clearing affect some populations. Captive breeding now supplies many pets.
Explore the Green Basilisk
Related Reptiles
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Green Basilisk
The green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Green Basilisk
How do basilisks run on water?
Rapid slaps of fringed hind feet create air cavities that briefly support their weight before they sink and swim.
Why is it called the Jesus Christ lizard?
The nickname refers to the appearance of running across water — that is the usual English name for a young green basilisk.
Do only green basilisks run on water?
Other Basiliscus species share the trait; the green basilisk is the most famous.
What do green basilisks eat?
Insects, small animals, flowers, and fruit — an omnivorous riverside diet.
Where do green basilisks live?
Rainforest rivers from Honduras to Costa Rica and Panama. Native range summary: Rainforests of Central America from Honduras to Costa Rica and Panama.
What is a group of green basilisks called?
A group of Green Basilisks is called a lounge.
What is a baby green basilisk called?
A baby Green Basilisk is called a hatchling.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Green Basilisk:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Basiliscus plumifrons.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Basiliscus plumifrons. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Basiliscus plumifrons. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
