[3][4][5] The physical appearance of the plumed basilisk is striking: it sports a bright green color along its body with black and white streaks along its neck and back.

[3] The green crested or plumed lizard is unique in its ability to run across water with speed and the method it employs to do this.

[3][7] B. plumifrons’ habitat is restricted to rainforests that are in close proximity to running streams, such as occur in southern Mexico and northern Colombia.

While the plumed basilisk is native to southern Mexico and northern Colombian rainforests, there is evidence to suggest that it occupies land across the Atlantic versant[further explanation needed] spanning eastern Honduras to western Panama.

Of the three species of Basiliscus present in Costa Rica each is found commonly on both versants[further explanation needed] (borders of land).

[3][7] B. plumifrons are aquatic lizards, found in high prevalence and widespread in Central American inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes, in addition to beaches and seashores.

This species is unique in that it is both arboreal and aquatic and can be found in large numbers in both trees and perched on boulders near bodies of water.

Adults are brilliant green, with bright yellow eyes, and small bluish spots along the dorsal ridge.

[citation needed] B. plumifrons is able to run short distances across the water using both its feet and tail for support, an ability shared with other basilisks and the Malaysian sail-finned lizard, When running, they create an air cavity which they use to push themselves forward with their feet which is mostly seen in adult basilisk lizards.

Plumed basilisks will employ this behaviour in response to perceived threats experienced from surrounding predators or predatory potential.

B. plumifrons run bipedally (applying the use of both hind legs), utilizing both the foot and shank for immersion into water when their limbs are outstretched.

This behaviour may be more advantageous than other responses such as water diving or swimming used by other lizard species, as it allows for escape from other aquatic predators (such as snakes, crocodiles, and large fish).

[9] The speed at which the plumed basilisk is able to navigate water running is determined largely by each individual's hindlimb elongation potential.

This is a unique benefit to the B. plumifrons, as it has toes directed in a rotated orientation allowing for greater surface area of the foot to run across water.

While some insects are able to run on water using surface tension, basilisk lizards, which have much more mass, achieve this through alternative fluid dynamics.

The female would position herself about 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the male, lowering her forebody to the sand and raising her pelvic region and tail.

One mother lizard in captivity actually was observed to start digging holes (sometimes referred to as nests) in the soil six months prior to ovipositing, well ahead of the breeding season.

[14] The eggs hatch after eight to ten weeks, at which point they emerge as fully independent lizards, although averaging only 43 mm (1.7 in) SVL (Snout-to-Vent Length) and weighing only about 2 grams (0.071 oz).

This latter selection of worms, roaches, and beetles are not the best suitable for the B. plumifrons diet as they are found to be high in fat and can be difficult to digest for juvenile B.