The Basilisk Lizard
Most people know the basilisk as the fearsome serpentine creature of legend that could turn people to stone with its gaze (see: Creatures: Basilisk). There is also a rather lesser known real lizard called a basilisk. It can't turn people to stone but is still noteworthy.
What Is A Basilisk Lizard?
The basilisk is a lizard of the genus Basiliscus. Species include the common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus), the green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) and the brown basilisk lizard (Basiliscus vittatus - also known as the striped basilisk). The creatures are native to South America.
Basilisk lizards can grow up to about two and a half feet long. Males have a crest along their back. They are omnivores and eat fruit and plants as well as small creatures such as insects and fish.
The "Jesus" Lizard
The basilisk lizard is also known as the Jesus Lizard. The reason for this is that it has a remarkable ability: it can walk on water!
When scared by a possible predator, the basilisk runs away at speed - often across water. It can do this because it is a fast runner and has flaps of skin between the toes of its hind feet. These take advantage of the surface tension of water to allow a small basilisk lizard to run across the surface of the water for a considerable distance.
Of course, once the lizard tires and begins to slow down it is forced to resort to good old-fashioned swimming.
External Links:
How "Jesus Lizards" Walk on Water