Lace Monitor
Scientific Name: Varanus varius
Size: Total Length up to 2 m
What does it look like?
The Lace Monitor is a moderately robust goanna with long, laterally compressed tail that extends to a thin, ‘whip-like’ end. It is generally bluish-black above with numerous various-sized, creamish-yellow spots arranged in transverse bands, becoming less intense with age and almost absent in older adults. The snout and chin have yellow and black barring. In sub-humid parts of range, occasional individuals have colour pattern of wide yellow-and-black banding, known as Bell’s phase.
Where is it found?
Lace Monitors occur within eastern Australia from southern Cape York Peninsula and eastern Qld, through central and south-eastern NSW, and eastern and northern Vic, to south-eastern SA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Lace Monitor, or Tree Goanna, is found in coastal rainforests, forests, woodlands and inland ranges, where it is largely arboreal, but often forages on the ground for food, which includes carrion, mammals, birds (including eggs), reptiles, invertebrates and frogs. Famels are oviparous, laying around 8 parchment-shelled eggs in termite nests.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
