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Seeing Reflections

Really Jun 26, 2011 11:40 AM

I hear stories all the time about iguanas bobbing at mirrors, even attacking the other iguana in the mirror.. Kismet however does not do that. She can see her reflection in the window in the evening because of the film we have on the window. But never once has she tried to bob at that window, though she does sometimes stare at herself, cock her head and study her reflection. I assumed that meant she wasn't territorial since the other iggy in the window doesn't bother her. However, she certainly bobs at Sebastian.

She gives every indication of understanding that the iggy in the reflection is herself. She is the same way with mirrors. But that is impossible, isn't it?

She's a funny lizard. She was a display animal at Repticon yesterday and the one thing that every single person who took her picture commented on is how when she sees a camera she starts to pose. She's like a little lizard fashion model. She can't know what it means and I always assumed it was my imagination, but she always acts this way when she sees a camera. And, when the tenth person makes the exact same comment, it makes you wonder. It doesn't matter if the camera has flash or not. This isn't a pose like she is distressed in anyway. You can tell the animal is enjoying the heck out of herself -- there is no indication of stress at all.

Replies (5)

bricun1 Jun 27, 2011 12:29 AM

Susan, Maybe you could make a video of her posing for the camera. I'm curious to see her behavior. As for the reflection thing, I haven't put Marley in front of a mirror for a while but I seem to remember him seeing my reflection and making eye contact with me via the mirror and then head bobbingto me. If I recall he pretty much ignored his reflection and focused on me when he was bobbing, kind of the way you would talk to your friend's reflection if you were both looking into the mirror. My green iguana on the other hand would attack her own reflection.
Shoot, now I will have to put Marley and maybe one or two of my other Cyclura in front of a mirror to see what they do. I will get back to you on this...
-----
Bri

Really Jun 27, 2011 10:14 AM

Good idea on the video. I forgot my camera yesterday but I'll do that next time we do a show, if not before.

I think I'll see how Sebastian reacts to the mirror. He's a bit young yet, but I'll be monitoring this. I doubt my little greens will react at this age, but we'll see when they get older....

bayzow Jun 27, 2011 03:43 PM

Wave at the camera, Sebastian... oops I forgot, Sorry Buddy!

Was that in poor taste?

Really Jun 27, 2011 05:09 PM

Yes, it was in very poor taste. It was, however, also laugh out loud funny. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to miss his arm at all and gets around great.

And, in keeping with poor taste, I got him a pirate costume for Halloween, complete with little silver hook!

typherp Jun 28, 2011 08:59 PM

OK....if you guys keep this up....I'll be forced to spend my time only on "classi-fied" section....

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