It is found from Central Mexico southward to northern Colombia. Just recently it has been introduced to Florida. Adult males have a large flaplike crest that is supported by flexible cartilage and projects from the back of the head to the neck. The head is large and males have a more elongate snout than the females. This is an unmistakable, gangly, brown lizard.
Basilisks can both hop and run swiftly.
They are able to run over still water when they are startled. Both males and females are dark-barred dorsally and have variably distinct yellowish dorsolateral lines. The lips and venter are light. Reproduction Sexual maturity is reached at about 9-10 cm. Females lay 3-12 eggs from May to August in a secluded moisture retaining nesting site, usually a hole along a canal bank.