Basiliscus vittatus
brown basilisk
(Also: striped basilisk)

Basiliscus vittatus is native to Latin America. It is found from Central Mexico southward to northern Colombia. Just recently it has been introduced to Florida. In Guatemala, this species is widespread, found practically anywhere where there is a water source (Campbell 1998).

This species can be found in tropical and subtropical wet, moist, and dry forests. It occurs in dense vegetation along the margin of practically any body of water. (Campbell, 1998)

Males may slightly exceed 2 feet in total length, whereas females are considerably smaller (Bartlett 1999). Adult males have a large flaplike crest that is supported by flexible cartilage and projects from the back of the head to the neck. They also have a crest that extends from above their shoulders to about the level of the hind legs (Campbell 1998). The females have a folded "hood" outlining the back of the head and a lower vertebral crest than the males (Bartlett 1999). The head is large and males have a more elongate snout than the females. The tails and limbs are long and slender, the toes have a distinctive series of scales that form a fringe on each side, and the tail is laterally compressed (Campbell 1998). This is an unmistakable, gangly, brown lizard. Basilisks can both hop and run swiftly. They are able to run over still water when they are startled. Both males and females are dark-barred dorsally and have variably distinct yellowish dorsolateral lines. The lips and venter are light. Young specimens are particularly prominently patterned (Bartlett 1999). (Bartlett, 1999; Campbell, 1998)

This lizard is quite arboreal, and can be seen in bushes and the lower branches of trees or thickets, but also spends time on the ground (Campbell 1998). At night it can be found sleeping in vine-covered thickets or in the open on low bushes (Campbell 1998). This is an alert, agile, speed-demon of a lizard (Bartlett 1999). They are difficult to approach. Basilisks are capable of climbing, running, and swimming, all with equal facility. Adult males are particularly wary and may often be heard crashing to safety through the underbrush (Bartlett 1999). (Bartlett, 1999; Campbell, 1998)

Striped basilisks feed mostly on insects but are reported to sometimes feed on fallen berries (Campbell 1998). (Campbell, 1998)

The brown basilisk relies mainly on alertness and speed to avoid predators, but may lash its tail vigorously if caught.

Because of this lizards ability to run across water in short distances, in certain circles it has been christened the "lagartija de Jesu Cristo," Jesus Christ lizard (Campbell 1998).