Jesus Christ Lizard
The Common Jesus Christ Lizard is a lizard found in Central and South American rainforests near rivers and streams. It is also known as Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus). The Jesus Christ name is emerged from its ability to run on the surface of water.
The Common basilisk, when fleeing from predators, they gather sufficient momentum to run across the water for a brief distance while holding most of their body out of the water. Basilisks have large hind feet with scaly fringes on the sides of the third, fourth, and fifth toes. These are compressed against the toes when this lizard walks on land; but if the basilisk senses danger, they can jump into the water, opening up these fringes against the water’s surface. This increases the surface area of the foot, thus allowing them to run on the water for short distances. Smaller basilisks can run about 10-20m without sinking. Juveniles can usually run farther than older basilisks, while holding more of their body above the surface.
See the national geographic video in youtube.
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