The basilisk, also known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” acquired its nickname because of its ability to run on top of water. When the Jesus Christ Lizard tries to escape from a predator, it gains enough momentum to frolic across water for a brief distance — usually about 10 to 20 meters. Its large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe are similar to the webbing on a frog, which allows for the lizard to increase the area of the surface on the water that supports its weight.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Running on Water
The basilisk, also known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” acquired its nickname because of its ability to run on top of water. When the Jesus Christ Lizard tries to escape from a predator, it gains enough momentum to frolic across water for a brief distance — usually about 10 to 20 meters. Its large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe are similar to the webbing on a frog, which allows for the lizard to increase the area of the surface on the water that supports its weight.
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