Green Basilisk
Basiliscus plumifrons
Also known as Green Crested Basilisk, Plumed Basilisk
- Where to see one
- 5 U.S. zoos in our directory hold green basilisk, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the green basilisk
The plumed basilisk, also called the green basilisk, is a lizard of Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Colombia. It lives in hot, humid rainforest near streams, rivers and other water, and is both arboreal and aquatic, active by day. Adults are brilliant green with bright yellow eyes, averaging about 25 cm (10 in) from snout to vent and reaching 3 feet (91 cm) with the tail. Males have crests on the head, back and tail, while females have only a head crest. The species is best known for running short distances across water on its hind legs, using this as a threat response when fleeing predators. Males are extremely territorial.
Green Basilisk facts
- It is nicknamed the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to run across water.
- Basilisks can scamper over water from the time they are born.
- Elongated hind legs with webbing between the toes capture pockets of air that let the lizard push off the water.
- The genus name comes from the legendary basilisk, meaning little king in Greek.
Where to see green basilisk in the U.S.
5 zoos across 4 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 5 zoos holding green basilisk by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
