Common basilisk

Not to be confused with Plumed basilisk.
For the plant species, see Prangos ferulacea.

Common basilisk
Male
Female
both in Panama
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Corytophanidae
Genus: Basiliscus
Species:
B. basiliscus
Binomial name
Basiliscus basiliscus
Synonyms[2]
  • Lacerta basiliscus
    Linnæus, 1758
  • Basiliscus americanus
    Laurenti, 1768
  • Basiliscus basiliscus
    Wagler, 1830
  • Basiliscus americanus
    Boulenger, 1885
  • Basiliscus basiliscus
    Lang, 1989

The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a species of lizard in the family Corytophanidae. The species is endemic to Central America and South America, where it is found near rivers and streams in rainforests. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard, Jesus lizard, South American Jesus lizard, or lagarto de Jesus Cristo for its ability to run on the surface of water.

  1. ^ Acosta Chaves, V.; Batista, A.; García Rodríguez, A.; Vargas Álvarez, J.; Schargel, W.; Rivas, G. (2016). "Basiliscus basiliscus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T203044A2759201. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T203044A2759201.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Basiliscus basiliscus. The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.