Arid monitor
A species of Monitor lizards, Also known as Black-headed monitor Scientific name : Varanus tristis Genus : Monitor lizards
Arid monitor, A species of Monitor lizards
Also known as:
Black-headed monitor
Scientific name: Varanus tristis
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Description
The black-headed monitor (Varanus tristis) is a relatively small species of monitor lizards native to Australia. It is placed in the subgenus Odatria. Their average length is between 50 and 80Â cm depending on location. V. t. tristis is the larger of two distinct subspecies, found mainly to the west of Australia. The freckled monitor (V. t. orientalis) is a smaller subspecies with a lighter, more distinct colouration confined mainly to eastern Australia. Clutch s
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Arid monitor is an opportunistic carnivore, predominantly feasting on insects. Their diet also encompasses small reptiles and mammals, birds, and eggs. They exhibit a propensity towards carrion when available.
Appearance
Arid monitor is a medium-sized monitor lizard with a slender body, long tail, and rough, scaly skin. Mainly black or dark grey in color, it showcases a series of white or yellow spots irregularly dispersed across its back and sides. Younger specimens exhibit brighter patterns, which tend to dull and darken with age. While both genders possess the same physical features, males are generally larger in size.
Behavior
Arid monitor is predominantly solitary except during mating season. It maintains a highly terrestrial lifestyle and is primarily diurnal, hiding under rocks or burrows at night. Known for its agility and swiftness, this species is an adept hunter, using its forked tongue to locate prey. To defend its territory, arid monitor displays threatening postures and may hiss or bite if provoked.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Arid monitor 
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