Jesus Christ lizard that walks on water, two headed snake and other unique reptiles around the globe

Time of India

21-07-2025

Reptiles often evoke images of cold-blooded stillness, but in the wild, many of these creatures are anything but ordinary. Some can sprint across water, others glide through treetops like dragons, and a few are so well-camouflaged they vanish before your eyes.
These reptiles aren't just fascinating to look at—they're masterclasses in evolutionary adaptation. From the water-skimming feats of the Jesus Christ lizard to the sky-bound glides of Draco lizards, the animal kingdom is teeming with reptilian surprises. Here are six standout species that showcase nature's wildest creativity.
Fascinating reptiles including Jesus Christ lizard that walk on water and thorny devil of dessert
1. The Jesus Christ lizard: Nature's water-walker
Native to the rainforests of Central America, the Basiliscus basiliscus gets its nickname—the Jesus Christ lizard—from its seemingly miraculous ability to run across water.
When startled, it rises on its hind legs and dashes across ponds and streams, staying above the surface thanks to large, fringed feet and incredible speed. This phenomenon, known as basal locomotion, allows it to flee predators like snakes and birds without diving in.
The key lies in the physics: each step generates enough force to keep the lizard momentarily suspended on air pockets formed on the water's surface, before gravity eventually takes over.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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2. Draco volans: The gliding dragon of Southeast Asia
Resembling a miniature dragon from folklore, the Draco volans, or flying dragon lizard, is an arboreal marvel. Found in tropical forests across Southeast Asia, it has evolved a unique adaptation—elongated ribs that support wing-like membranes, or patagia, allowing it to glide effortlessly between trees. These lizards use their 'wings' to travel distances of up to 30 feet, not to migrate but to find food, evade predators, or seek mates.
Their flight is more akin to a parachute jump than birdlike flapping, with a long, thin tail helping steer and stabilize. Often mistaken for falling leaves at first glance, these lizards are a perfect blend of camouflage and mobility.
3. Bicephalic snakes: Two brains, one confused body
Though they sound like something from mythology, two-headed snakes are a real and rare genetic anomaly caused by a condition called bicephaly. Like conjoined twins in humans, these snakes result from an embryo that partially splits into two, leaving them with two functioning heads on a shared body.
Each head has its own brain, often leading to conflicting decisions—one head may want to feed while the other is defensive, or they may try to move in opposite directions.
While they're fascinating from a biological standpoint, most bicephalic snakes have shorter lifespans in the wild due to these coordination issues. Still, in captivity, some individuals have been known to survive for several years under careful care.
4. Thorny devil: The desert's armored hydrating machine
The thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is perhaps Australia's most visually striking reptile. Covered head to toe in sharp, conical spines, this lizard looks ready for battle. But its defense goes beyond the visual. On the back of its neck sits a false head—a decoy that confuses predators, allowing the real head to duck down in defense. More fascinating still is its passive hydration system. The thorny devil doesn't need to seek out water; instead, it collects dew and rain through tiny grooves in its skin, which funnel moisture directly to its mouth via capillary action.
In a harsh, dry environment, this feature is nothing short of genius.
5. The
Mata Mata
turtle: Master of disguise and ambush
The Mata Mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata) is one of the Amazon's most effective ambush predators—not through speed or aggression, but through perfect camouflage. With its flattened, leaf-shaped head, rough-textured skin, and bark-like shell, the turtle blends seamlessly into its muddy, leaf-littered surroundings. Rather than chase prey, it simply waits.
When a small fish swims near, it opens its large, flattened mouth in a sudden vacuum-like motion, sucking in water and prey in one gulp.
Its feeding method is so passive and efficient that the Mata Mata barely moves, conserving energy in a nutrient-poor environment. It's evolution at its stealthiest.
6. The Tokay gecko: Loud, bold, and brilliantly colored
The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) isn't just eye-catching with its vivid blue-gray body and orange spots—it's also one of the most vocal and aggressive reptiles in its range.
Native to Southeast Asia, it lives in trees, caves, and even human homes, where its echoing call—'To-kay! To-kay!'—is both its name and its signature. Male geckos are particularly territorial and may bite if threatened, armed with strong jaws and a surprising amount of attitude for a creature just 12 inches long.
Despite this, the Tokay is popular in the exotic pet trade, valued for its appearance and vocalizations.
However, handling them requires caution, as their bite can be painful and they're known to hold on with stubborn force.
7. The tuatara: New Zealand's living fossil
At first glance, the tuatara may look like an ordinary lizard, but it belongs to an entirely separate order of reptiles called Rhynchocephalia, which dates back over 200 million years. Native only to New Zealand, the tuatara is often referred to as a "living fossil" because it's the last surviving member of a lineage that thrived during the time of the dinosaurs.
One of the tuatara's most curious features is its "third eye"—a light-sensitive organ located on the top of its head, believed to help regulate circadian rhythms and seasonal behaviors in juveniles. Unlike most reptiles, tuataras grow very slowly and can live for over 100 years. They also thrive in cooler temperatures, making them unique among reptiles. Tuataras are mostly nocturnal, feeding on insects, small birds, and other reptiles.
Though slow-moving and seemingly unremarkable, the tuatara is a biological treasure, offering scientists valuable insight into ancient reptilian evolution.