Green basil

Presentation

The Green basil (Basiliscus plumifrons) is a tree-dwelling lizard from Central America, renowned for its ability to run on water, earning it the nickname "Jesus Christ lizard." Its body is covered in bright green scales, sometimes dotted with blue or yellow, providing effective camouflage in the humid canopy. Adult males display well-developed cranial, dorsal, and caudal crests, which are absent or reduced in females. This diurnal reptile lives in close proximity to watercourses, where it takes refuge when in danger. It is now also kept in terrariums by enthusiasts around the world, including marginally in Tunisia. Its lifespan in captivity can exceed ten years with proper care.

The Green basil has an elongated body, a long tapered tail representing more than half its total length, and powerful hind limbs with long fringed toes. Males display three distinctive crests (cephalic, dorsal, and caudal) that make them easily recognizable. Green coloration, sometimes turquoise, provides camouflage among surrounding foliage.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

This species favors humid tropical forests at low altitude, particularly in close proximity to rivers, streams, and wetland areas. It prefers dense vegetation overhanging water, which allows it to escape quickly if threatened. It is rarely found far from sources of fresh water.

Behaviour

The Green basil is a diurnal, solitary and territorial animal, particularly active during the day along riverbanks. It is capable of running over short distances on the water's surface thanks to its webbed and fringed hind legs, a predator-avoidance behavior. When threatened, it can also dive and remain submerged for several minutes. It is an excellent climber that spends much of its time in low to medium vegetation.

Reproduction

The female lays multiple clutches per year, each containing an average of 15 to 20 eggs, buried in loose, moist soil. Incubation typically lasts two to three months depending on temperature. Juveniles are completely independent from the moment of hatching, requiring no parental care. Sexual maturity is reached around one to two years of age.

Peculiarities

Its unique ability to run across water for several meters results from a combination of speed, light body weight, and specialized hind limbs that create an air pocket beneath the feet. This behavior earned it the common name "Jesus Christ lizard" in several languages.

Threats and conservation

Deforestation and fragmentation of its forest habitat represent the main threat to wild populations. Collection for the pet trade exerts localized pressure on certain populations. The species remains widely distributed and is not subject to specific protection measures.

References

Profile updated 09 September 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.