Basilisk - Jesus Christ Lizard

These lizards were hanging out on the edge of the mangrove backing onto the pool by the beach at our resort ...

Basilisks collectively share the nickname “Jesus Lizard” or “Jesus Christ Lizard” because they can actually run on top of water. Large hind feet with flaps of skin between their toes help support the basilisk by creating a larger surface and a pocket of air. These traits combined with a speedy upright gait keep the lunging lizard from breaking the surface tension of the water until momentum slows and it resorts to mundane swimming. Smaller basilisks can run about 30 to 60 feet over water without sinking. This spectacular display is usually a response to perceived danger

http://10000birds.com/striped-basilisk-lizard-lore.htm

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Tags: Cozumel, Mexico, basilisk, lizard
Albums: Wildlife
Location: Cozumel, Mexico

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Comment by chris pearce on July 7, 2012 at 2:45pm: I wish Paul ! We saw one in Roatan but again on land. There were lots of different lizards in the resort on Cozumel, you never knew where you would see them. Those big iguanas were up the top of trees, didn't realize they climbed like that.

Comment by Paul Jenkins on July 6, 2012 at 7:20pm: Cool! Didn't run across the pool then?!

Comment by chris pearce on January 22, 2012 at 4:18am: Thanx all ... yes Cheri these are really cool. We saw them in Roatan as well ... not caught them walking on water yet though ... that would be really neat :0)

Comment by Cheris on January 22, 2012 at 2:28am: Cool ! Wish I could see that!! Great capture..Excellent photography!

Comment by hilda murray on January 19, 2012 at 1:07am: nice find and a superb capture

Comment by Les Jordan Jr. on January 18, 2012 at 10:34pm: Nice catch.

Comment by Dave Sosnowski on January 18, 2012 at 6:22pm: Nice capture Chris

Comment by Deepesh Velachery on January 18, 2012 at 2:05pm: Very nice capture.....great details........

Thanks for the info.....

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