The basilisk lizard, sometimes called the Jesus Christ lizard, is native to the tropical forests of Central America, where it lives near rivers, streams, and ponds. It is best known for its ability to run short distances across the surface of water on its hind legs, using large, fringed toes that slap the water fast enough to create pockets of air that briefly support its weight. When it can no longer stay above the surface, the lizard simply switches to swimming, since it is also a capable swimmer.
Facts
Classification
Relationship to PeopleInvasive or Introduced Species 1 Living or Extinct In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Mexico, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: South America, found in there.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Basiliscus (lizard)
Wikipediaarticle text (relationship to people), EntityId 344589Quote, article text (relationship to people), EntityId 344589
The species Basiliscus vittatus (brown basilisk) has been introduced to Florida.
2. Basilisk lizard (Wikipedia)
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