Reptile · GBIF taxon 5221813
Common Basilisk
Basiliscus basiliscusAlso known as Brown Basilisk
The Common Basilisk is a long-legged tropical lizard with an elongated tail and, in adult males, tall crests on the head, back, and tail. When alarmed it can sprint upright across the surface of water before diving or reaching cover.
Water-running LizardTropical ReptileLong Tail
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Small frogs
Predators
- Raptors
- Snakes
- Large fish
ThreatsRiparian clearing, water pollution, road mortality, pet trade, and persecution
HabitatsTropical lowland forest, riverbanks, streams, wetlands, forest edge, and shaded gardens
Life spanOften five to ten years, with longer lives possible
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCorytophanidae
- GenusBasiliscus
- SpeciesBasiliscus basiliscus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Approach slowly so the lizard does not waste energy fleeing across water.
Responsible observation
- Look: Scan branches and banks overhanging calm forest water.
- Distance: Stop before the lizard raises its body to flee.
- Watch: From shore, follow a brief two-legged dash across the surface.
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