Yes, you read that right! Bearded dragons have a third eye on top of their head. In fact, bearded dragons are not the only reptile with a parietal, or third, eye. Iguanas, tuaturas, and geckos are all examples of other reptiles that have this intriguing addition.
Yes, you read that right, bearded Dragons have three eyes! Their two primary eyes see images, just like our eyes. And their parietal eye, located on the top of their head, doesn't see images but is an optical lobe on the top of their head that can sense shadows and changes in light.
UNLIKE invertebrates, most of which have at least four eyes, vertebrates usually have only two. Yet, there are exceptions. Some fish, amphibians and reptiles have a third, so-called parietal, eye.
Baby beardies are more skittish and can panic when they are picked up. Try to keep the baby calm and keep one finger under its chin while holding it. Never grab or hold a bearded dragon by its legs or tail.
The tuatara has a third eye, as do some other reptiles. But this adaptation has been lost in the radiation into later orders such as crocodiles, birds, and mammals, although remnants of this organ can be found in most of these. The third eye, then, represents evolution's earlier approach to photoreception.
The all-seeing lizard, called Saniwa ensidens, is the first jawed vertebrate on record to sport four eyes, the researchers said. These days, the jawless lamprey is the only known four-eyed creature with a backbone.
This is also known as the pineal eye and is a receptor located on the top of the head. Many existing reptiles such as monitor lizards, some iguanas and the tuatara still have a pineal eye. All reptiles that still have the pineal eye today are “cold blooded”; they have what's known as an ectotherm metabolism.
Yes! While not effusive and certainly not as emotional as dogs, cats, and other mammals, bearded dragons are known to show signs of affection to their owners. For example, they will remain calm when handled or sit still on their owner's lap. Bearded dragons are not social creatures by nature.
Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
Even the calmest bearded dragon will eventually become stressed out if you handle him for too long. In fact, it is important to understand that bearded dragons probably do not “like” being handled – they simply “tolerate” it. So, it is wise to avoid pushing their limits by keeping handling sessions relatively brief.
According to this belief, humans had in far ancient times an actual third eye in the back of the head with a physical and spiritual function. Over time, as humans evolved, this eye atrophied and sunk into what today is known as the pineal gland.
Most reptiles have two atria and one ventricle. The only exceptions are the 23 living species of crocodilians (alligators, caimans, crocodiles and gharials) who, like birds and mammals, have four-chambered hearts with two atria and two ventricles (Jones, 1996; Jensen et al., 2014).
With the exception of crocodiles, which have a four-chambered heart, all reptiles have a three-chambered heart with two atria and one ventricle. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood. This blood is also known as spent blood, as it returns from the body tissues.
Zero Morph
Extremely rare, the zero bearded dragon morph is completely lacking of patterns and colors. These white bearded dragons are growing in popularity.
Bearded dragons have a three-chambered heart.
Silkback Bearded Dragons
Silkback morphs do not have any spikes or scales on their bodies, which makes them one of the most unique bearded dragon types. The lack of spikes and scales makes their skin look and feel soft and silky, hence the name.
Bearded dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.
Takeaway: Bearded dragons produce a mild venom in their mouth that helps immobilize their prey. This venom is not dangerous to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs. Dragon bites are rare, and there are simple ways to avoid being bitten.
It's A Sign Of Affection Or Comfort
It does seem to be true that a bearded dragon is more likely to lick you if it trusts you and feels comfortable with you. However, this licking is not necessarily a sign of affection. It could be that it likes the way you smell or feels a sense of safety to have you around.
Yes, Bearded Dragons Feel!
Bearded dragons can become attached to their owners and perhaps other animals. Many pet owners tell stories of their bearded dragon's affection from seeking attention to cuddling up (article on bearded dragon cuddles).
You can hold a bearded dragon for as long as it will tolerate being held. Start with 15 minutes once a day and as it gets used to being handled, you can hold it longer. Some dragons enjoy being held several times a day for several hours. When the beardie becomes restless, it is time to put him back.
The third eye is a chakra located in the middle of the forehead between the eyebrows. It's associated with intuition, insight, and mysticism. The third eye is the sixth out of seven chakras that control the meridian of the body, mind, and spirit. It can take us to a place of higher consciousness and enlightenment.
And there is even a lizard-like animal in New Zealand that naturally has three eyes. This three-eyed animal is called a tuatara. The third eye of a tuatara, located on the top of its head, has all of the right parts: a lens, a retina, and nerves leading to the brain.
Today, tuataras live only on a few small islands off the coast of New Zealand. Young tuataras have a third “eye” on top of their head. It gets covered over with scales as they grow older.