In the vibrant rainforests of Panama, a remarkable creature skims across the water’s surface with seemingly impossible grace—the Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus). Often called the “Jesus Christ Lizard” for its astonishing ability to run on water, this reptile’s name is inspired by the mythical basilisk, reflecting both its striking appearance and extraordinary talent.

The Common Basilisk is a master of both land and water. Equipped with elongated toes featuring specialized fringed scales, it can sprint across slow-moving streams and rivers, covering distances of up to 15 feet before diving into the safety of dense vegetation. This remarkable feat, described in detail by Jenkins and Cordero (1985), is made possible through a combination of rapid slapping motions of its feet and the water’s surface tension, effectively allowing the lizard to stay afloat momentarily. On land, the basilisk is equally agile, using its long tail for balance as it navigates the forest floor with cat-like dexterity.

Found primarily throughout Central America—including Panama’s tropical lowlands—the Common Basilisk thrives in warm, humid environments near rivers, streams, and wetlands. Its diet is opportunistic, consisting mostly of insects, small fish, and fruits, and it is often observed basking on rocks or tree branches in the early morning hours to regulate its body temperature. Despite its incredible water-running ability, the basilisk faces natural threats; birds of prey such as hawks and herons frequently target it during moments of vulnerability, highlighting the delicate balance between predator and prey in Panama’s complex ecosystems.

This extraordinary reptile’s unique adaptations illustrate the resilience and ingenuity of life in Panama’s biodiverse habitats. Ongoing scientific studies continue to reveal more about its behavior and physiology, contributing valuable insight into evolutionary biology and ecological interactions in tropical rainforests.

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Sources:

• Jenkins, R. M., & Cordero, G. A. (1985). Locomotor performance of the basilisk lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus) and the mechanics of lizard water-running. Journal of Experimental Biology, 114, 83–102.

• Savage, J. M. (2002). The Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica: A Herpetofauna between Two Continents, between Two Seas. University of Chicago Press.

• National Geographic. (n.d.). Basilisk lizard: Jesus Christ lizard. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/jesus-christ-lizard

• Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. (n.d.). Common basilisk. Retrieved from https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/common-basilisk

• Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan. (n.d.). Basiliscus basiliscus. Retrieved from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Basiliscus_basiliscus/

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