Reptiles are from misunderstood, relegated to the eerie. But, delve deper and you’ll find creatures so bizarre, so unexpectedly brilliant, they feel pulled from a fantasy novel.

From lizards that run across water to turtles that impersonate leaves, Nature’s creativity knows no bounds. Let’s meet some of the most reptiles of captivating In the world.

1. The basilisk

It sounds like folklore, but this lizard really does run on water. Found in Central America, The Basiliscus Basiliscus, Commonly known as the Jesus Christ Lizard, Uses Sheer Speed and Body Mechanics to Dart Across River Surfaces.

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As National geographic Explains, they accomplish the seemingly miraculous act of moving on top of water by generating forces with their feet that keyep their body bodes both about the surface and upright.

The trick lies in their hind feet, which slap the water hard to create pockets of air that prevent sinking – Long Enough, at Least, to escape presape presape principles like bads and snakes.

2. Bicephalic snakes

Two-headed snakes have long inspired mythologies, but in real life, they the result of a rare developmental anomaly called bicephaly. Just like conjoined twins, these snakes are born when a single embryo tries – But Fullly Split Identical Twins.

The result is two brains often work against Each Other. While fascinating to observe, these animals rarely survive long in the wild. Their instincts do ‘always align; One Head Might Sense Prey, The other Might Retreat, making survival complicated in nature’s harsh logic.

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3. Draco Volans

High in the canopy of southeast asian forests lives a lizard that glides between trees like a miniature dragon. The Draco lizard has wing-like flaps that unfurl from elongated ribs, allowing it to so soar acros jungle gaps.

According to BBC EarthDraco lizards have the Amazing Ability to Fly From Tree to Tree in search of food, a mate or to avoid predators.

They don’t like birds but rather glide with elegance, steering mid-air with their tails. Their graceful aerial moves have ever earned them a place in Folklore Across asia, where they think about to bring luck – the other.

Discover the fascinating science Behind two-headed snakes-HOW they occupur, why snakes are most affected, and what life is like for them. Two-headed snakes have long inspired mythologies, but in real life, they the result of a rare developmental anomaly called bicephaly. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

4. Thorny devil

Look like something out of Mad max, The Thorny Devil (Moloch Horridus) is covered in spikes, right down to a failed head on the back of its neck to mislead predators. But perhaps is most fascinating trait is invisible to the eye.

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As Australian Geographic Shares, “Tiny grooves that suck up dew … passing it to the devil’s mouth without the lizard having to lift a finger.”

That’s right, this desert dwelller drinks through its skin. Morning Dew Collects on Its Body, Gets Absorbed into the Grooves, and Travels by Capillary Action Right into the mouth. Who needs a water bottle when your skin does the job?

5. The mata mata turtle

The Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus Fimbria) from the Amazon Basin didn’t bother chasing prey. It doesn’t have to. With a face like a pile of leaves and a shell like mossy bark, this turtle lies motion in the murky waters of the rainforest, blending perfectly into its its surroundings.

With a barklike shell and a head shaped like a leaf, the mata mata turtle is a master of camouflage. When an unsuspecting fish wanders too close, the turtle simply opens its cavernous mouth and sucks it in, no chase, no fight, just steal and vacuum power.

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6. The tokay gecko

The Tokay Gecko (Gekko Gecko) isn is your average wall-crawler. Found Across Southeast Asia, this Gecko is brilliantly blue-grey with fiery orange spots-And it doesn ”.

Known for its vocalizations that sound like ‘To‑kay! To‑kay! ‘, The Gecko has reputation for being agressive and territorial, especially males.

These geckos are fiercely territorial, and while they may be beautiful, they do not Afraid to use their powerful jaws. Still, their call and striking appearance make them of the most charismatic reptiles in the pet trade (for experiencing handlers only).