Basilisk or Jesus Christ Lizard (11/20)

Basilisk  is also known as the South American Jesus lizard, Jesus lizard, Jesus Christ lizard, or lagarto de Jesus Cristo. Why does its name associated with Jesus Christ? One big reason is that it has the ability to run on the surface of water.

Common basilisk is found in tropical rain forests throughout Central America and even in northwestern South America, usually in low elevations. They can also be found at high elevations in Costa Rica. Also found in southwestern Nicaragua, northwestern Colombia, central Panama, northwestern Venezuela, and has been introduced to Florida as a feral species.

In Greek mythology, basilisk is known to blast fire through its mouth and is considered to be a legendary reptile and king of serpents that has the power to cause death with a single glance.

Basilisk belongs to a genus called Basiliscus.