Florida invaded by 'Jesus lizards' that run on water known as 'Basilisks'

23 September 2023 , 05:01

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While Florida's seen a lot of lizards.- a new wave of basilisks that run across water can introduce new consequences (Image: wesh)

Florida is no stranger to little green creatures with long tails, but its newest mildly invasive visitors, known as "Brown Basilisks", are taking over in their droves and giving locals a rare sight straight out of a nature programme.

The critter is known as the "Jesus Christ Lizard" because it can run across the water using "rapid movements of their rear legs and feet" to “slap” and “stroke” the water, according to the University of Florida. While they've been seen around the state since the 60s and are considered an "established non-native species," residential reports are on the rise, prompting new concerns.

Expert warns of 'not yet' invasive 'Jesus Christ lizard' that 'can run on water' (wesh)

Fermin runs a business known as AAA Wildlife Trapping & Removal Services and says he's seen "thousands" of Iguanas in his professional life, but is also concerned about these Basilisks. "Oh man, I could say thousands," Fermin responded when asked how many he’s caught. "You’ll spend a thousand dollars on your flowers – and in two days, they’re gone."

But researchers say the concern goes way beyond anyone's lawn. "While it is unknown what the basilisk lizard's ecological and economic impacts are... some research suggests they might increase the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses," says Florida Today. These Basilisks are carnivores that eat bugs, mainly mosquitoes. As they hunt, blood-sucking bugs also bite the lizards. Then, they go on to bite humans.

The 'Jesus Christ lizard' has a rare talent, it's legs are made to move quick and tread water, allowing it to 'run across' (wesh)

“It has a crest on the top of its head and then usually a yellow line running down its side,” David Outerbridge, the director of the UF/IFAS Extension in Lee County, told NBC2. While they aren't considered invasive yet - researchers are requiring help to determine exactly how many there are. Scientists are urging locals and tourists to report sightings of Brown Basilisks online.

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The lizards like disturbed areas by fresh water. That’s where you’ll typically see them. “We’ve had 43 sightings, I think, in Lee County and 140 or so in Collier County, of the basilisk,” Outerbridge explained. “Which may be only capturing a small amount of the people that are actually seeing it.”

'This lizard uses "rapid movements of their rear legs and feet to 'slap' and 'stroke' the water" (wesh)

The "Jesus Christ lizard" comes from Mexico, Central America, and South America. They were brought to Florida as pets - like many other invasive species. University of Florida IFAS Extension Agent Ken Gioeli says, "There is ongoing research on the potential for basilisks to be hosts for these mosquito-borne diseases, so there’s a possible human health impact there." It's also possible that they're eating insects native to Florida, which is bad for their ecosystem.

Until the state figures out if it's a problem and how they should handle it, many, like Fermin, are enjoying watching these cool critters to their thing. “It’s actually crazy how they do it; it’s pretty cool,” Fermin said, chuckling. “They go underneath the water, but they raise them up so quickly, it looks like they’re walking on water,” Outerbridge explained.

Yelena Mandenberg