Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it true that veiled chameleons have a third eye? I have seen this on about 3 diffrent forums and had to ask. If so could I perhaps see some pictures of this eye? Or a science site which talks about this eye.
And if it does exist what would this eye be used for?

Thanx

You know, I just looked over something like that in a book I was leafing through at the book store. But I didn't read it or buy the book.

My guess is that this 3rd "eye" is something like a pineal eye/organ, like lampreys have. It would be on the top of the head and covered with skin. It's not a real eye at all, but it does sense changes in light.

~Melissa
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~Melissa
0.1 Hedgehog (Kaimah)
0.1 Feline (Whiskers)
0.1 Beagle (Belle)

i read about that too and it looks like a litle spot in theyr head

Yes, it is a type of pineal gland. No, it's not a "3rd eye", but sometimes writers refer to the gland as an eye. It is sensitive to light energy but has no opening, no lense, lids, movements, etc. When someone says "they have a 3rd eye" it is often symbolic or a way to say that the person or creature has extra senses or is more open to special knowledge.