Costa Rica Species
Basiliscus vittatus
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Basiliscus vittatus

Brown Striped Basilisk

Wiegmann, 1828

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized lizard characterized by its olive-brown coloration and distinct yellow or cream-colored longitudinal stripes running along its flanks. Adult males develop a prominent, sail-like cranial crest and a modest dorsal ridge, while females possess a vastly reduced head ridge. They have long, slender hind legs and an exceptionally elongated tail used for balance.

Added by

Gerardo Venegas

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Gerardo Venegas

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Brown basiliskStriped basiliskBasilisco marrónBasilisco rayadoPasarríosCorytophane rayéStreifenbasiliskBruine basilisk

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Lepidosauria
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Corytophanidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Basiliscus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Wiegmann, 1828
Record Completeness
97%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Carnivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern Colombia, and introduced into Florida. It is semi-aquatic and primarily inhabits dense vegetation bordering rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal lagoons within tropical moist forests and gallery environments.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Diurnal and highly alert. It spends much of its day basking on branches overhanging water to regulate its body temperature. When startled, it drops into the water and sprints across the surface bipedally to reach dense vegetation, or dives down to hide on the muddy bottom.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Solitary and territorial, especially adult males who vigorously defend optimal basking perches and territory lines from rival males using head-bobbing displays and physical combat.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

INSECTIVORE

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Primarily an insectivore, feeding on a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, occasionally consuming small fish, frogs, or fallen fruit. It is preyed upon by predatory birds, large snakes, coatis, and crocodilians.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Oviparous. Courtship involves distinct male head-bobbing sequences to attract receptive females. Females lay multiple clutches per year containing 3 to 12 eggs, burying them in moist sand or loose soil chambers near water banks, providing no parental care after egg deposition.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

45.0 - 61.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

90 g - 170 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

1 - 1.5 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

50 - 60

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Adult males feature a large, prominent crest extending from the back of the skull, a visible dorsal ridge of small spines, and are generally larger and heavier than females.

Females Multi-lang

Females possess a highly reduced head ridge rather than a sail-like crest, lack the developed dorsal spine ridge, and maintain smaller body dimensions.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Possesses specialized fringes of rectangular scales along the edges of its long rear toes, which unfurl to trap pockets of air beneath the feet, allowing the lizard to run bipedally across the surface of open water.
Excellent swimmer and diver; it can remain submerged under water for up to 30 minutes to escape terrestrial or avian predators, slowing its heart rate to conserve oxygen.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Deforestation and clear-cutting of riparian buffer zones eliminate the dense shoreline bushes and branches required for basking, sleeping, and safety.
Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial effluents degrades food availability and can directly affect the health of these semi-aquatic reptiles.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Commonly known as the 'Jesus Christ lizard' due to its spectacular, high-speed ability to sprint across the surface of streams and ponds without sinking.
The long tail accounts for nearly two-thirds of the lizard's total body length, acting as a dynamic counterweight that prevents it from tipping over while running on two legs.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.