The Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) name originates from the Greek word "basilískos" (βασιλίσκος), which means "little king". It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard, Jesus lizard, South American Jesus lizard, or lagarto de Jesus Cristo for its ability to run on the surface of water. It lives in tropical rainforests near water in Central and South America, from southwestern Nicaragua down to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side.
The Plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), also called the green basilisk, double crested basilisk, is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to quickly dart across the water, appearing to walk on the surface. In fact, as the Green Basilisk quickly moves its legs, its feet are slapping the water, creating just enough of an air pocket to keep them from sinking. A member of the iguana family, the Green Basilisk lizard lives in Central America.
