Did You Know That One Lizard Can Run on Water?

The basilisk lizard can run across the water. It takes a step with its left foot before the right one can sink, then it takes the next step with this right foot before the left foot sinks. The lizard doesn't sink because its body is very light and because it spreads the toes of its back feet extremely wide to keep them from sinking. The basilisk lizard will run on the surface of the water to escape from an enemy. The basilisk is able to move on top of the water because it can spread the toes of its hind feet. When the surface area of the feet is extended, there is increased surface tension on the water, which supports the lizard as it moves quickly. The basilisk can also swim, however, and can remain submerged for long periods.