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
Anatolian rock lizard Anatolian rock lizard The Anatolian rock lizard ("Lacerta anatolica") is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is found in western Anatolia and on islands off the coast, where its natural habitats are temperate forests and rocky areas. A common species, the IUCN has listed it as being of "least concern". This lizard grows to a snout-to-vent length of about with a tail twice as long as its body. The head and body are somewhat flattened and the markings rather variable. The basal colour is dark olive-brown and there are usually two series of pale dorso-lateral spots which