Emerald Basilisk (Jesus Christ Lizard)

Description:

The Emerald Basilisk, is called Jesus Christ Lizard because he can walk on the water. This basilisk is so adroit on water because its feet are large and equipped with flaps of skin along the toes, when moving quickly, the lizard can cross a surface of water before sinking. On water it runs an average speed of 8.4 km/h (or 5.2 mph), which is just a little slower than its speed on land. Younger basilisks can run 10 to 20 meters on water, while adults cross only a few meters before sinking. Adults do not move slowly, but they weigh more and cannot sprint for as long a time. Once a basilisk submerges, it continues swimming until it is sufficiently far from its pursuer—if the predator has followed past the bank.

Habitat:

Abundant in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela.