Green Lizard Basilisk

The Green Basilisk Lizard is nicknamed the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” for its amazing ability to avoid danger by sprinting across water. They have long toes on their rear feet with fringe-like scales that unfurl and allow them to “walk on water” at a speed of almost five feet per second. Part of the iguana family, Green Basilisk Lizards are very territorial and like to spend the majority of their time in trees and rocks located very close to water. These omnivores survive on insects, worms, arachnids, plants, fruit and small vertebrates, and store fat in their long, whip-like tails.

  • Agility: 6/10

  • Charisma: 6/10

  • Intelligence: 4/10

  • Speed: 10/10

  • Stamina: 9/10

  • Strength: 2/10

  • Wisdom: 4/10

  • TOTAL: 41/70
Strengths
Green Basilisk Lizards are excellent swimmers and can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes. They are also stellar climbers and have strong teeth that are fused to the inner sides of their jaws.

Weaknesses
Size—Green Basilisk Lizards only grow about two feet long, including their tails, and weigh only around seven ounces.

Best Animal to Adapt With
The Basilisk is not the strongest or most intelligent animal in the rain forest. However, adapting with the Orangutan and Pink Dolphin will more than make up for these deficiencies and perfectly compliment his blazing speed and stamina.

Enemies
The Basilisk have many predators, including large birds, snakes, fish and other reptiles, as well as nocturnal animals such as opossums and raptors who attack them during their sleep. Their biggest predator is the quetzal.

Increasing Their Survival Rate
Green Basilisk Lizards are not an endangered species, but they are considered at risk due to pollution and habitat destruction. Another threat is their increasing popularity as pets—few survive captivity due to their nervous nature. Click here to learn about their conservation.

image credit: animals.nationalgeographic.com

Click To View Folklore
Folklore
In European legend, the Basilisk was reputed to be king of serpents, and had the power to cause death by a single glance. It was also believed to leave a trail of deadly venom in its wake.