Meet The ‘Jesus Christ Lizard’ That Runs On Water — A Herpetologist Explains

The common basilisk can sprint across water for a few seconds using a rapid slap–stroke–recovery motion that generates lift and thrust.

New research suggests the stroke phase matters more than the initial foot slap, and quick recovery is critical before the foot sinks too deep.

The animal’s water-running ability depends on a narrow balance of body size, speed, and fluid dynamics.

The explainer highlights how anatomy, physics, and evolution combine to produce this high-risk survival strategy.