On the Surface

Many creatures seem to walk on water almost miraculously. But their ability to skip across the surf or tread over waves is no miracle. Instead, these water-walkers are sure evidence of their Creator who himself walked on water and commanded seas.

Rushing Into Things

For Western and Clark’s grebes, finding a suitable mate is not quite sink or swim. From November to March, grebes practice rushing across the surface of a lake to attract a mate. The birds take up to 20 steps per second and can run about 65 feet (20 m) over the water. More than quick legs keep them from sinking, though. Their flat, splayed feet slap the water with a powerful force that can support over half the birds’ weight.

Colorful Landing Gear

Would you walk a mile in a coot’s shoes—er, feet? Their feet are unique, with long, yellow-green or bluish lobed toes that propel the bird through the water. Those feet also work on top of the water. Coots use a body of water as a runway, “spattering” swiftly across the surface before taking off in flight.

Water Skates

Water striders, also known as Jesus bugs or pond skaters, are aptly named for their ability to skate over water in pursuit of a snack, using their middle pair of legs to row toward their prey. Grooved micro hairs cover their bodies and legs, helping them move nimbly across the water’s surface by trapping air and repelling water. In addition, their long, spindly legs evenly distribute their weight into dimples they make in the water. The dimples keep them from breaking the water’s surface tension while they skate across a pond or creek—no ice needed.

Hydro Hiding Place

Water scavenger beetles have a special water-walking technique. By trapping an air bubble under water with their hairy legs and abdomen, the bugs have enough buoyancy to flip upside down and scurry along the underside of the water. Scientists think the beetles use their unique ability to conceal themselves from predators. How’s that for a hiding place?

Spider Water Sports

Arachnophobes beware! The fishing spider has many unnerving water talents, including swimming, fishing, sailing, and—you guessed it—walking on water. Fishing spiders’ long legs, spanning up to three inches (7.6 cm), keep their weight evenly dispersed while water-repellent hairs help the spiders stay buoyant as they walk across water. Spotting one of these spiders would be a spooky sight during a peaceful day at the lake.

The Little Lizard That Could

Small enough to be mistaken for insects, Brazilian pygmy geckos can fit on your fingertip. But their tiny size helps them handle challenging terrain—including water. Pygmy geckos stay on the water’s surface with water-repellant skin and powerful leg slapping, which creates air pockets that keep them from sinking. As the geckos run across the water, their bodies move in an S shape (similar to an alligator’s movements), propelling them along.

Gold-Medal Sprinter

Runners, take your mark! Basilisks, also known as Jesus lizards, are gold-medal contenders for water-walking. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, they are never far from a body of water. When threatened, basilisks can drop from a tree onto the water and skedaddle across the surface, sprinting upright about five feet per second. They win the water race with the help of fringed skin on their back toes. The skin unfurls in the water, giving the lizard more surface area to keep from sinking. Their quick feet forcefully slap the water, forming air pockets that keep them racing across the surface for 15 feet (4.6 m) or more.