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 plumifrons
Green Basilisk
Cope, 1876
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Emerald green lizard with white or bluish spots; males are very striking.
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.
Plumed BasiliskDouble-crested Basilisk
Basilisco verdeLagarto de JesucristoTaxonomyBiological 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).Reptilia
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.Cope, 1876
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.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
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
Inhabits lowland tropical humid forests, always associated with rivers and lagoons.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Arboreal and diurnal; capable of running on water at speeds of up to 12 km/h.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and territorial. Males actively defend their territories against others.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivore. Varied diet of insects, snails, frogs, fish, and plant material.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Invertebrate controller and prey for birds of prey and large snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous. Lays up to 15 eggs in moist substrates near water.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 90.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
200 g - 500 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 15
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.
1.5 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
55 - 75
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males7 - 10 Years
Females7 - 10 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have spectacular crests on the head, back, and tail.
Females Multi-lang
Females lack dorsal crests and only have a small cephalic crest.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Hind feet with specialized scales that trap air when striking the water.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Riparian forest fragmentation and water pollution.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is the largest and most colorful basilisk in Central America.
It is popularly known as the 'Jesus Christ Lizard' for its ability to walk on water.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
