Varanus timorensis: Difference between revisions
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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Varanus timorensis, (Timor Monitor/Spotted Tree Monitor) is a dwarf species of monitor lizard belonging to the Odatria complex. Generally dark [[greenish/gray]] to almost [[black]] in background color |
Varanus timorensis, (Timor Monitor/Spotted Tree Monitor) is a dwarf species of monitor lizard belonging to the Odatria complex. Generally dark [[greenish/gray]] to almost [[black]] in background color with bright gold-[[yellow]], sometimes bluish, spotting along its dorsal surface and a lighter straw-yellow color on its ventral side. They have pointed snouts, excellent eyesight and hearing, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail that measures 2/3rds the total length. Timorensis also have long, sharp claws well suited for climbing and defense. The species grows to a maximum of 61cm, and weigh between 100 to 350 grams. |
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== Behavior == |
== Behavior == |
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Revision as of 22:12, 10 January 2013
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| Species: | V. timorensis
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| Varanus timorensis Gary, 1831
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Monitor timorensis | |
The Timor Monitor or Spotted Tree Monitor (Varanus timorensis) is a species of small monitor lizard native to the island of west and east Timor.
Description
Varanus timorensis, (Timor Monitor/Spotted Tree Monitor) is a dwarf species of monitor lizard belonging to the Odatria complex. Generally dark greenish/gray to almost black in background color with bright gold-yellow, sometimes bluish, spotting along its dorsal surface and a lighter straw-yellow color on its ventral side. They have pointed snouts, excellent eyesight and hearing, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail that measures 2/3rds the total length. Timorensis also have long, sharp claws well suited for climbing and defense. The species grows to a maximum of 61cm, and weigh between 100 to 350 grams.
Behavior
Timor monitors are arboreal, diurnal lizards. Their diet consists of a variety of invertebrates, plus other lizards such as geckos, etc. Breeding takes place from December to March, and clutches of up to 11 eggs are laid and incubate for three to four months, depending on the average temperature. Hatchlings are approximately 5 inches long, but grow quickly.
Geographic distribution
The Timor Monitor is found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Timor, Savu and Rote, and in East Timor.
In captivity
The Timor Monitor is frequently bred in captivity but also imported for the exotic pet trade. The wild caught specimens can be nervous, and difficult to handle, but captive raised Timorensis tame down quite well. Its small size makes it an attractive choice for any varanid enthusiast as they are easily housed in a vivarium oriented towards vertical climbing space (30-55 gallon, never less), ample hide spots, a basking area of between 95-100F, with ambient temperatures between 75-90F. A medium sized bowl of water is recommended for the occassional soak, or the cage can be misted once every 2-3 days. They readily feed on a diet of commercially available crickets, roaches, mealworms and the rare pinkie mouse.
References
- Cogger, H. (1967). Australian Reptiles in Colour. Sydney: A. H. & A. W. Reed, ISBN 0-589-07012-6
- King, Dennis & Green, Brian. 1999. Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN 0-86840-456-X
- Species Varanus timorensis at The Reptile Database