Ridgetail monitor
A species of Monitor lizards, Also known as Ridge-tailed monitor Scientific name : Varanus acanthurus Genus : Monitor lizards
Ridgetail monitor, A species of Monitor lizards
Also known as:
Ridge-tailed monitor
Scientific name: Varanus acanthurus
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Cedricguppy , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The spiny-tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus), also known as the ridge-tailed monitor or Ackies dwarf monitor, is an Australian species of lizard belonging to the genus of monitor lizards (Varanus).
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Ridgetail monitor is predominantly an insectivore, with a diet heavily inclined towards arthropods like locusts, crickets, and cockroaches. This species also occasionally feeds on small vertebrates like mice when available.
Appearance
Ridgetail monitor is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body and rough, scaly skin. Its coloration varies from reddish-brown to dark brown, fading into a lighter shade on the underbelly. Distinctive features include a long, narrow tail covered in pointed, spinelike scales and sharp pointed claws. Male individuals possess more pronounced spines on their tails compared to females. There are no significant differences arising from age or subspecies.
Behavior
Ridgetail monitor is primarily diurnal, spending its day foraging for food and basking in sunlight. This species is known for its unique spiny tail, used in defense against predators. It's an efficient climber and burrower, employing both skills to evade threats. Ridgetail monitor is a solitary animal, exhibiting territorial behaviors, resorting to aggression only when threatened. Its survival behavior includes camouflaging, especially in leaf litter.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Ridgetail monitor 
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