Introduction
Bearded dragons are popular reptile pets because of their unique, interesting appearance and friendly nature. While their “beard” and pleasant personality make them intriguing pets. These reptiles’ third eye, or parietal eye, most commonly piques people’s interest. Do Bearded Dragons Have A Third Eye? Here, you’ll learn all there is to know about bearded dragons and their fascinating parietal look. We’ll talk about the anatomy and function of the parietal eye. And its impact on the behavior and care of these unique reptiles will be discussed.
Do Bearded Dragons Have A Third Eye?
The third eye of a bearded dragon can detect both light and dark. Light (ultraviolet light included) is primarily used for threat sensing, hormone synthesis regulation, and temperature adjustment. A bearded dragon’s third eye is extremely sensitive to changes in brightness and darkness. It is also useful for determining the day of the week and, by extension, the season.
The third eye sees differently from the other two because it is in direct contact with the pineal gland rather than the brain’s optic center. This third eye is less developed than the other two, and it uses a different biochemical process to detect light than the other two eyes of a bearded dragon. In addition, there is no eyelid on the parietal eye.
The Function Of The Third Eye
Bearded dragons use their third eye to sense brightness, shadow, and body temperature changes. It serves as a biological clock, controls many bodily functions, aids in navigation, and detects potential dangers.
The third eye of a bearded dragon serves a distinct purpose than the other two. The ability to better detect danger thanks to the third sight. They can see the approach of any potential threat using their “third eye,” or parietal organ. Therefore, these lizards cannot know whether a predator is above them, but they can tell if there has been a shift in the light because of a shadow.
Bearded dragons in the wild typically flee and hide when they become aware of a shadow above them. They frequently do this if they detect the presence of any shadow, predator, or otherwise. Bearded dragons have a strong instinct to protect their territory. If they get lost, they can return to their environment. Bearded dragons utilize their extra eye to find their way back to their cave.
That way, they can go far from home and find their way back without problems. According to the findings, homecoming becomes problematic or even impossible when the parietal eye is blocked. Bearded dragons, even with functional normal eyes, can only see in one direction and cannot navigate backward without the aid of their parietal eye.
Bearded dragons’ parietal eyes play an essential function in biology. You have learned that the pineal gland is linked to the brain’s parietal lobe. Both the parietal eye and the gland make up the photoreceptive pineal complex. The pineal gland releases hormones like melatonin depending on the time of day to control the body’s wake/sleep pattern.
Is There An Eyelid Over A Bearded Dragon’s Third Eye?
Due to the primitive nature of the pineal eye, the scientific community is split on whether or not to refer to it as an eye properly. The iris and a link to the optic nerve are absent, leaving you scratching your head and wondering what the heck that third eye has to do with an eyelid.
Bearded dragons have a transparent scale covering their third eye but lack an eyelid to keep debris out. The evident scale acts as a lid, shielding the cornea from dry air and other environmental hazards, but there is no mucous membrane beneath it to keep the eye wet.
The scale prevents damage to the delicate components of the third eye. If you accidentally brush up against it when petting your bearded dragon, don’t fret; it’s perfectly safe. Still, you have a responsibility to keep your beardie safe. Check for projecting objects via the gaps in their container. Your bearded dragon’s parietal eye may become damaged or lose a scale as it explores its environment.
In Captivity, Do Bearded Dragons Make Use Of Their Third Eye?
Your bearded dragon is probably content to stay in its cage and would benefit from using its third eye as a navigational aid. However, even in captivity, bearded dragons use their pineal eye to control their body temperature and to help them avoid predators. However, you might be the greatest predator in your bearded dragon’s life if you don’t take the appropriate measures to protect it from needless stress.
What Is A Bearded Dragon’s Third Eye Used For?
A bearded dragon’s “third eye,” also known as the pineal gland or parietal eye, serves several important functions:
Regulating Circadian Rhythms: The pineal gland helps bearded dragons regulate their circadian rhythms, which are daily biological cycles that govern sleeping, waking, feeding, and thermoregulation. It detects changes in light and darkness, signaling when it’s time for the dragon to be active or rest.
Managing Seasonal Behavior: Like many reptiles, Bearded dragons rely on photoperiod (daylight duration) changes to trigger seasonal behaviors such as breeding and hibernation. The pineal gland detects shifts in daylight hours, prompting the dragon to engage in these behaviors when appropriate.
Basking and Thermoregulation: The pineal gland influences basking behavior. When it senses increased light levels in the morning, it signals the dragon to start basking, which is crucial for regulating their body temperature. Basking is essential for their overall metabolic processes.
Feeding Behavior: Bearded dragons typically feed during the day, and the pineal gland helps synchronize their feeding schedule with daylight hours. It ensures that they are active and alert when foraging for food.
Breeding and Reproduction: The pineal gland’s detection of changes in day length is also pivotal in initiating breeding and reproductive behaviors in bearded dragons. It helps them time their reproductive activities according to seasonal cues.
Melatonin Production: As in other animals, the pineal gland in bearded dragons produces melatonin. Melatonin influences sleep-wake patterns, immune function, and various physiological processes.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons possess what is often called a “third eye,” known scientifically as the pineal gland. While it may not resemble a traditional eye and is not used for vision, this tiny yet remarkable organ plays a crucial role in their lives. The pineal gland serves as a light-sensing regulator, orchestrating their circadian rhythms, facilitating seasonal behaviors, aiding in thermoregulation, influencing feeding patterns, and even contributing to their reproductive and overall physiological well-being.
