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
Lizard buzzard Lizard buzzard The lizard buzzard ("Kaupifalco monogrammicus") or lizard hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its name, it may be more closely related to the "Accipiter" hawks than the "Buteo" buzzards. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that the lizard buzzard is not closely related to "Buteo" buzzards but rather to "Accipiter" hawks. This extends to morphological associations, e.g. the lizard buzzard has pointed and fairly short wings. The lizard buzzard is a smallish stocky raptor with a total body length of 35–37 cm and a wingspan of about 79