Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am an idiot! (I just need Tom Greb to confirm it)LOL After my last post, and having gotten no response from anyone confirming nictitating membranes in Chuckwallas, I went around poking every Chuckwalla I could find in the eye, actually, GENTLY holding down the lower lid of my Chucks and everybody elses' I could lay hands on, and, guess what? They ALL had nictitating membranes! I guess its nature's way of protecting them in sand storms or digging nests. I only knew that Ruby had such a membrane because she uses it often and every once in awhile I have had to treat it with stye medicine. Go figure!!
Duh.
"Maureen the Clueless"

I never really paid attention to that. I mailed Richard and here is he reply.

Tom,
The nictitating membrane located in the anterior corner of the eye is virtually gone in chucks and other iguanids, and lizards in general. It is present in crocodilians as a well developed third eyelid that runs at a right angle to the lower and upper lids. It serves a protective function when crocs are under water and cover the entire eye.

Cheers,
Rich

Maybe he is wrong though if you can clearly see it in yours. Mine are all in hibernation now so I can't check them. Also thank you for the nice card and all the pics. Now I know who is who when you talk about them. LOL

Tom