Mitchell's water monitor
A species of Monitor lizards Scientific name : Varanus mitchelli Genus : Monitor lizards
Mitchell's water monitor, A species of Monitor lizards
Scientific name: Varanus mitchelli
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
V. mitchelli reaches a total length (including tail) of up to 70 cm (28 in). It is generally dark in colour and has many small yellow spots or dark-centered ocelli.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Mitchell's water monitor mainly feasts on a diet of crustaceans, specifically freshwater crabs. Due to its semi-aquatic lifestyle, it also partakes in consumption of small fish and amphibians when available.
Appearance
Mitchell's water monitor is a medium-sized monitor lizard with a slender body, a long tail, and rough scales. Its main coloration is grey-blue with cream to pale yellow cross-bands extending from its back to its tail. Its underbelly is pale cream, and its toes are equipped with sharp claws. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Mitchell's water monitor exhibits solitary and territorial tendencies. Noted for its arboreal lifestyle, it spends significant time in trees and shows remarkable climbing proficiency. Its diet primarily comprises fish and amphibians, which it locates by skimming water surfaces. Spotting predators, mitchell's water monitor will retreat or play dead, enhancing its chances of survival.
Population
Decreasing
, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Mitchell's water monitor