Reptile

The plumed basilisk

Basiliscus plumifrons

The plumed basilisk has the ability to run on water on its hind legs, which earned it the nickname the “Jesus Christ lizard”.

Distinctive features

It can run very fast while upright. Its running speed of around 10 km/h, coupled with the special shape and structure of the digits of its hind legs, give it its ability to run on water.

Anecdote

Present in various legends since Antiquity, the basilisk is a mythological creature of reptiform appearance, sometimes with a crown-shaped crest on its head.

The word "basil" comes from the Greek basiliskos, meaning "little king".