Third phase – recovery. Balance is key to a

successful sprint across the pond, so the lizard

uses its tail to help keep him steady, but he also

pushes out to the side with his foot to stop himself

toppling over. As his rear foot exits the water, of

course, his front foot is ready for the next slap.

When drag and weight finally overcome the

lizard, he might scamper across the surface

on all fours for a bit before he settles down

to swim. The basilisks can swim very well and

even hold their breath underwater for up to

half an hour, two skills that would be quite

handy for a truck mechanic trying to ride

a motorbike across a lake!