EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Eye of the Dragon

Swamplands Lashtail (Amphibolurus temporalis), Family Agamidae
Palmerston, Northern Territory, Australia

Explanation:  This is a member of the dragons of Australia ... a set of some 7 or so species of the genus Amphibolurus, characterized by long tails, long limbs, crests on the head and neck, and other features.  These dragons inhabit woodlands but can also be observed feeding on insects and other small prey on the ground, although many like to climb ... 

... such as this specimen I discovered outside my cabin one evening.  No, it was not in a tree ... 

... it was clinging to ... 

     

 ... a broomstick handle!

I didn't have the heart to disturb it any further, after having taken numerous flash photos.

Agamid dragons have exceptional eyesight and quick responses, and are not easily approached ... except for my placid friend here.  They also have good hearing likely for detecting both prey and potential predators.  

But many lizards outclass the rest of the animal kingdom by having a photosensory organ on the top of the head, called the parietal "eye."