Green basilisk lizards, also known (0) plumed or double-crested lizards have an amazing ability to run on water. They are abundant (9) the tropical rainforests of Central America, (10) they spend much of their time up trees and are never that (11) from water.

When threatened, they can drop from a tree and sprint at (12) speed of about 1.5 metres per second across the surface of the water. To accomplish this, on their rear feet they have long toes (13) folds of skin that spread out in the water to create a sort of paddle. (14) they are able to maintain their speed, this fold of skin prevents them from sinking. Interestingly, they are born with the ability (15) only to run on land and water but also to climb and swim.

Green basilisks are omnivores and survive (16) a diet of plant material, fruit, insects and small vertebrates, and are a common sight in the Central American forests.