Green Basilisk Lizard AKA “The Jesus Christ Lizard” (Basiliscus plumifrons)

• Abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, green basilisks spend much of their time in the trees and are never far from a body of water
• When threatened, they can drop from a tree into the water and sprint, upright, about 5 feet per second across the surface
• They are able to “walk on water” because they have long toes on their rear feet with fringes of skin that unfurl in the water, increasing surface area. As they rapidly churn their legs, they slap their splayed feet hard against the water, creating a tiny air pocket that keeps them from sinking, provided they maintain their speed. They can move along the surface like this for 15 feet or more. When gravity eventually does take over, the basilisk resorts to its excellent swimming skills to continue its flight
• They are capable of remaining underwater for 30 minutes
• Part of the iguana family they can grow to be about 2 feet long
• Hatchlings are born with the ability to run/walk on water 

VIDEO of green basilisk lizard running on water

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