top of page

Found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, the Basilisk Lizard has quite a dramatic ability. When fleeing from predators, it gathers sufficient momentum to run across the surface of water on its hind legs as seen in the gif below!
Younger, lighter Basilisks can cover up to 10 meters before sinking, at which point they simply switch to swimming. They can remain submerged for over 10 minutes, making escape virtually guaranteed regardless of whether they stay on top or go under.

Common Basilisk
(Basiliscus basiliscus)
bottom of page