Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Varanus
Species: V. varius
Binomial name: Varanus varius
Synonyms: Lacerta varius
Common names: Lace monitor, Lace goanna
Varanus varius is a large monitor lizard in Australia, and among the largest lizards on earth. It is classed as near threatened.
In New Zealand, they are only at Auckland Zoo wherein 2018 there are 8 individuals.
Lace monitors are found in two broad forms. The main form is dark grey to dull blueish-black with numerous, scattered, cream-coloured spots. The snout is marked with prominent black and yellow bands extending under the chin and neck. The tail has narrow black and cream bands which are narrow and get wider towards the end of the tail. The other type, known as Bells form, is typically found in the drier parts of NSW and Queensland. It has broad, black and yellow bands across the body and tail. Close up, these bands are made up of various spotted patterns.
This monitor can be as long as 2.1 m with a head-and-body length of up to 76.5 cm. The tail is long and slender and about 1.5 times the length of the head and body. The maximum weight of a lace monitor can be 20 kg, but most adults are much smaller.
Their tails are extremely long and are usually almost twice the length of the monitor’s head and body.
In their native areas, they often lay their eggs in termite mounds, where they are incubated at a constant temperature and kept safe from predators. The young will hatch in 8 or 9 months, and dig their way out – sometimes with the help of their mother.
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Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information:
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