<P> The common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin - like crests down its back . Most are brown and cream in colour . Males also have high crests on their heads and tails . Both sexes are brown to olive, and have a white, cream or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of their bodies; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age . Hatchlings weigh a mere 2 g and are 38 to 43 mm long . Adults can grow up to two and a half feet long . Females are generally 135 to 194 g, and weigh half as much as males . The tails of these lizards comprise 70 to 75% of their total length: for example, on an 800 - mm - long (31.5 - in - long) lizard, 600 mm of its length is tail . </P> <P> The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw - like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw . They have been known to run up to 7 mph (11 km / h). While the basilisk is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer; the basilisk has been known to stay under water for up to half an hour . The average lifespan is seven years in captivity; in the wild, it tends to be less because of predators . </P> <P> When startled, the common basilisk escapes by speeding to the nearest edge of water--and continues sprinting . The lizard runs on only its hind legs in an erect position, holding its fore legs to its sides . This basilisk is so adroit on water because its feet are large and equipped with flaps of skin along the toes that allow it to catch on tiny air bubbles . When moving quickly, the lizard can cross a surface of water before sinking . On water, it runs an average speed of 8.4 km / h (or 5.2 mph), which is just a little slower than its speed on land . Younger basilisks can run 10 to 20 meters on water, while adults cross only a few meters before sinking . Adults do not move slowly, but they weigh more and cannot sprint for as long a time . Once a basilisk submerges, it continues swimming until it is sufficiently far from its pursuer--if the predator has followed past the bank . Although this lizard stays close to water to escape terrestrial predators, it swims only when necessary because some other aquatic animals would eat the basilisk given the chance . </P> <P> The common basilisk is found in tropical rainforests throughout Central America and in northwestern South America, usually living in low elevations, from sea level to 600 m . In Costa Rica, this basilisk can be found as high as 1,200 m in some places . The species ranges from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panamá to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side . In Costa Rica, it is mostly found on the Pacific side of the country . The equivalent species on the Atlantic side is the green basilisk, which occupies similar habitats and has similar biology . It has been introduced to Florida as a feral species . </P>

Why does the basilisk lizard run on water
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