#jesus christ lizard

[xanaxfarts]

Basilisk Lizards

(Basiliscus sp.) of the Corytophanidae family are unique in that they regularly run across water, using only their feet as a source of both lift and thrust. This behavior is prevalent among hatchlings through adults and is made more spectacular by their large size range: Hatchlings weigh ≈2 g, whereas adults can weigh >200 g.

[b0n1zbl3zz3d]

Do you think Jesus Christ and the Jesus Christ Lizard would hang out with each other?

[dailycreatures]

Creature 99

Plumed basilisk

Also known as the Green basilisk, double crested basilisk, or the Jesus Christ lizard. They are native to Central America, living in tropical rainforests. The reason they are called Jesus Christ lizards is because they can run on water for short distances. They use their feet and tail for support, and run so fast they create an air pocket that they can propel themselves forward with.

fact and image source: wikipedia

[oneanimalpictureaday]

Plumed basilisk, I’m not sure where from.

facts from Our breathing planet: Also goes by such other common names as the double crested basilisk and the green basilisk. For a truly startling reason, however, some people also call the fabulous reptile by the term the Jesus Christ Lizard. The nickname of the Jesus Christ lizard derives from an astounding ability. That’s because this reptile evolved the ability to walk of water, or at least to run across it. It does this when threatened. As it moves into the water, special sections of skin on its toes expand. This increases surface area allows it to skim across the water for up to 15 ft (4.6 m).

[psikonauti]

Plumed basilisk by Trond Larsen

[sundarsunya]

Plumed Basilisks (Basiliscus plumifrons) are also known as the Jesus Christ Lizard due to their ability to run on water. Large back feet, with flattened toe pads and scales positioned to maximise surface area, as well as a long tail for balance, allow this species to make a bipedal dash to safety.

Photo: Bence Mate

[thecreatureawaits]

The Creature Awaits #41:

Each week I plan to feature an amazing creature, admiring God's fantastic artistry.  Hopefully it’ll brighten someone’s day to see something new and interesting if they haven’t seen it before. : )

(Photograph by wonderful photographer and overall good person, Connor Long, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped))

The Green Basilisk Lizard

Scientific Name: Basiliscus plumifrons

A.K.A: The Jesus Christ Lizard, Plumed Basilisk, Double-Crested Basilisk

Region:  Southern Mexico and parts of Central America

Size:  ~10" (25cm) long without the tail, ~21" (91cm) including the tail.

Interesting Note:  Like other basilisks (as well as the Malaysian sail-finned lizard), when threatened, the Green Basilisk, rearing up and using its tail as a counter-balance, can actually run across the surface of water!  This has earned basilisks the moniker, "The Jesus Christ Lizard".

You can watch a video by National Geographic of this phenomena here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45yabrnryXk

[cephalogodess]

just chillin with a giant basilisk, Basiliscus basiliscus! 

Near Samara, Costa Rica we saw several juvenile basilisks run across a river! So cool. That’s why they are often nicknamed Jesus lizards :)