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| Female C. similis basking. |
Are the Three Graces a Greek Chorus as they perform vigilance behaviors? We don't yet know. Each lizard more likely scans their immediate area without synchronizing activity, lending more eyes to predator detection and male mating offensives.
Like humans, iguanas may be startled by a loud sound or sudden motion, but the interesting vigilance is the glance-around-the-restaurant-to-see-who-is-where inclination of individuals in groups. How often do you scan? do you scan more if you are seated near the front door and less if you are near the kitchen? What do you ignore? What starts your inner sixth sense humming, suggesting emerging trouble? How much do you rely on the nervous, sidelong glance and posture of your neighbor? And how many individuals makes for enough vigilance cover so you can enjoy your evening meal -- or great basking spot in the case of a large lizard?
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| Female (front) and Male (rear) C. similis, four eyes covering all cardinal directions. |
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