The green basilisk lizard is found in Central America and is a species of Corytophanidae, the more common iguanian lizards. With its bright green colouring with black and white streaks, it is striking in appearance. It gets its common name – the Jesus Lizard – from its ability to run across water. Its dynamic movement has been the inspiration for adaptive robotics.
Hamish was able to see the Jesus Lizard on a research trip to Tortuguero National Park in the North East Costa Rican rainforest.
“We explored the waterways and complex ecosystem with our knowledgeable guides Louis and Leonel from the Tortuga Lodge. Coming around the river corner by boat we spooked an amazing green basilisk lizard whom to my amazement disappeared in a biblical fashion by running across the water! It was a miraculous fleeting moment that I had to sculpt.” (HM)