Head to head
Brown Basilisk vs Green Basilisk
A brown basilisk and a green basilisk both belong to the small group of lizards famous for sprinting across open water, yet the two share their remarkable escape trick while looking almost nothing alike otherwise.
| Brown Basilisk | Green Basilisk | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Basiliscus vittatus | Basiliscus plumifrons |
| Colouration | Brown or olive with pale stripes | Vivid green |
| Male crests | One modest crest | Three: head, back, and tail |
| Range | Mexico and Central America, introduced to Florida | Honduras to Panama |
| Water-running ability | Yes, fringed hind toes | Yes, fringed hind toes |
| Habitat | Forest and wetlands | Lowland rainforest along water |
| Diet | Insects, small vertebrates, some plants | Insects, small vertebrates, fruit, flowers |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brown Basilisk vs Green Basilisk: common questions
Which basilisk is more visually striking, the brown or the green?
The green basilisk is by far the more visually striking of the two, displaying vivid green colouration and, in males, three separate crests on the head, back, and tail, while the brown basilisk has a more modest striped pattern and a single, less pronounced crest.
Do both basilisks run on water the same way?
Yes, both the brown basilisk and the green basilisk use the same basic technique, sprinting upright on their hind legs and slapping specially fringed toes down rapidly enough to avoid sinking, before eventually diving underwater to finish an escape once momentum runs out.
Where would you find each of these basilisks in the wild?
The brown basilisk is native to Mexico and Central America, with introduced populations established in Florida, while the green basilisk is native specifically to Central American lowland rainforest from Honduras and Nicaragua through Costa Rica to Panama, a somewhat more restricted natural range.