Like some other living vertebrates, including some lizards, the tuatara has a third eye on the top of its head called the parietal eye (also called a pineal or third eye) formed by the parapineal organ, with an accompanying opening in the skull roof called the pineal or parietal foramen, enclosed by the parietal bones. [63]

Feb 21, 2025 · tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) Tuatara also have a third, or parietal, eye on the top of the head. Although this eye has a rudimentary lens, it is not an organ of vision. It is thought to serve an endocrine function by registering the dark-light cycle for hormone regulation. (more)

Dec 3, 2024 · The tuatara has a lot of fascinating characteristics, but perhaps one of its most remarkable traits is its third eye. Sitting on the top of its head, the tuatara has a third eye complete with retina, lens, and nerve endings that connect to its brain.

The tuatara has a third eye on the top of its head called the ‘parietal eye’. It has its own lens, cornea, retina with rod-like structures and degenerated nerve connection to the brain, suggesting it evolved from a real eye.

However, modern tuatara also have a vestigial eye on the top of their head, visible in juveniles but covered with a thin layer of scales in adults. Called a “parietal eye,” this third eye sports a retina, lens and degenerated nerves connected to the brain.

The “eye” has a retina, lens, and nerve endings, yet it is not used for seeing. It is visible under young tuataras’ skin but becomes covered with scales and pigment in a few months, making it hard to see. The unique eye is sensitive to light and may help the tuatara judge the time of …

Tuatara really do have a third eye in the middle of the forehead. It’s called the parietal eye (pronounced pa-rye-e-tal) (1). So why can’t we see this eye? It turns out the parietal eye is covered from birth by a layer of translucent skin, plus possibly some small scales.

Tuatara have a third eye on the top of their head called the parietal eye. The parietal eye is visible only in hatchlings, which have a translucent patch at the top centre of the skull. After 4-6 months, it becomes covered with opaque scales and pigment.

5 days ago · Which Animal Has 3 Eyes? Unveiling the Mystery of the Parietal Eye. The animal most commonly associated with having three eyes is the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), a reptile native to New Zealand.While it’s true that many other animals appear to have eye-like spots, particularly as juveniles, the tuatara possesses a genuine, functional third eye, also known as the parietal eye or pineal eye.

May 27, 2024 · The tuatara’s famous third eye is also known as a parietal eye. It is located on the top of the head, and it is very small and difficult to notice unless you are looking for it. It has a lens, a retina, and its own nerve connection to the brain.