Lizard heads called the parietal eye, a basal ("primitive") feature also present in the tuatara. This "eye" has only a rudimentary retina and lens and cannot form images, but is sensitive to changes in light and dark and can detect movement. This helps them detect predators stalking it from above. Until 2006 it was thought that among lizards, only the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard were venomous. However, several species of monitor lizards, including the Komodo dragon, produce powerful venom in their oral glands. Lace monitor venom, for instance, causes swift loss of consciousness and extensive bleeding through its
Waterberg flat lizard longitudinal stripes are always entire on females, but sometimes divided in males. Waterberg flat lizard The Waterberg flat lizard (Platysaurus minor) is a species of lizard in the Cordylidae family. The Waterberg flat lizard ranges from Waterberg, South Africa, to the foothills of the Blouberg. The Waterberg flat lizard lives in rocky sandstone outcrops in a savannah habitat. The Waterberg flat lizard eats mainly insects, but will sometimes eat plants. It lives in small family groups and breeds in summer, when two eggs are produced. The Waterberg flat lizard is 60–70 mm long. The scales on the sides of its