Showing posts with label Reptiles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reptiles. Show all posts

4/27/11

The Tuatara

This New Zealand animal resembles a lizard but is actually considered a separate order.  What makes it interesting is the fact that it has a "third eye" on the top of it's head.  The use of this eye-derived spot is unknown, but there are theories concerning it's use as a thermoregulating agent and for vitamin D absorption.
     There are only two species of tuataras worldwide.  Measuring up to 23 inches in length and weighing up to 3 pounds the tuatara spends alot of it's time basking and is mostly nocturnal.  They are insectivorous but may prey on small lizards and bird eggs when available.  Their coloration varies from dark greens and browns to light.  On males, a distinctive crest, for which the reptile is named, can be seen.