The two-crested lizard, scientifically known as Basiliscus plumifrons, is primarily active during the day. These lizards inhabit trees and dense bushes near riverbanks and swamps, and they belong to the family of basilisk lizards.
In lush green environments, their green skin color serves as an effective camouflage against predators and prey. Basilisk lizards enjoy a diet consisting of insects, snails, fish, frogs, and small lizards, and they occasionally consume flowers and fruits. When threatened, they raise their hind legs and dash away at incredible speeds, both in trees and across moderately sized bodies of water.
This species of basilisk lizard possesses a remarkable ability to “run on water,” which it utilizes to hunt and catch prey. Due to this unique capability, the local people refer to it as the “Jesus lizard.”
During the breeding season, females lay about 20 eggs. This basilisk lizard features vibrant green skin adorned with brown or dark green spots along its sides. Males have distinctive crests on their heads, along their backs, and even on their tails, which also exhibit spots.
The Jesus lizard is found in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama (Central America).
