Hi Pjmulberry,
Thank you for the fascinating question!
The answer is the "Tuatara" - a lizardlike reptile which is almost
exctinct and can only be found in approximately 30 small islands off
the coast of New Zealand.
"What Animal Has Three Eyes?
The Tuatara, a lizardlike reptile that lives only in New Zealand, has
those three "eyes". It belongs to a group of reptiles that once
included many other creatures, but today, the Tuatara is the only
surviving member of that group."
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Creek/2102/AmazingAnimalFacts2.html
"[...]
Another fascinating fact about this so-called relic of the past is
that, the tuatara has a third eye on top of its head, between the
“usual” eyes. This unusual feature however, is possessed not only
among tuataras but also in many species of lizards. This fascinating
eye comes complete with lens and retina but as the tuatara grows, the
skin will also grow covering the extra eye.
The actual use of this eye is still pretty much a guess. It is
apparently not used to distinguish visible objects among adult
tuataras and so it is thought to have no function at all. However,
there is a theory that this eye serves as a device to regulate the
temperature or light to make it easier for the adult tuatara to
determine the right time to go out hunting since it will usually
emerge at night. For a young tuatara, which goes out hunting during
the day, this eye probably functions as a compass so that it knows
when it is safe to go back home without being accidentally eaten by a
hungry adult."
http://www.animalfact.com/article1023.html
I hope this helps
regards,
jackburton-ga
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