I am the amazing, glorious, Kind-of-creepy-walking-on-water Lizard!
| Description: | Basilisks are amazing animals, despite rarely being known by their true name. the basilisk, of course, is famous for its ability to "run" on water. In truth the lizard is actually kind of bouncing. The lizard can run about fifteen feet, then sinks and swims. First, it pushes down with its foot, creating a small pocket of air. Then it quickly darts its leg through the water to propel it forward. Now it jerks its leg back up. So it is kind of flying, not using the water for ground or support, but using it for leverage to go forward, if that makes sense. These reptiles live in south and central america, of course in the wet parts primarily. They eat a variety of insects, flowers, fruits, small birds, and snakes. The males of many species have large crests on their back, the plumed basilisk (above) having the biggest one. |
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