Varanus timorensis

Varanus timorensis, the Timor monitor^[2] or spotted tree monitor,^[3] is a species of small monitor lizards native to the island of Timor and some adjacent islands.^[2]

Varanus timorensis
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Varanidae
Genus:	Varanus
Subgenus:	Odatria
Species:	V. timorensis
Binomial name
Varanus timorensis (Gray, 1831)
Synonyms
Monitor timorensis Gray, 1831

Taxonomy

Kimberley rock monitors (Varanus glauerti), banded tree monitors (Varanus scalaris), and spotted tree monitors (Varanus similis) were once considered subspecies of the Timor monitor, but have since been elevated to full species status.

Currently, the peacock monitor (Varanus auffenbergi) is sometimes considered a subspecies, but is usually considered its own species.^[2]

Description

The Timor monitor is a dwarf species of monitor lizard belonging to the subgenus Odatria. Generally, it is dark greenish-gray to almost black in background color, with bright gold-yellow or sometimes bluish spotting along its dorsal surface and a lighter straw-yellow color on its ventral side. It has a pointed snout, excellent eyesight and hearing, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail that measures two-thirds of its total length. V. timorensis also has long, sharp claws well-suited for climbing and defense. The species grows to a maximum of 61 cm, and weighs between 100 and 350 g.

Habitat

Varanus timorensis live in hollowed trees and branches, the spotted coloration helps them camouflage into the surrounding habitats.

Behavior

Timor monitors are arboreal, diurnal lizards. Their diet consist of a variety of invertebrates, such as scorpions, orthopterans, spiders, mantids, bees and cockroaches, and other lizards, such as geckos, as well as small snakes.^[4] Breeding takes place from December to March, and clutches of up to 11 eggs are laid; the eggs incubate three to four months, depending on the average temperature. Hatchlings are about 5 in long, but grow quickly.

Geographic distribution

The Timor monitor is found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Timor and Savu

In captivity

Frequently bred in captivity, this monitor is also still imported in small numbers for the exotic pet trade. Wild-caught specimens can be nervous and difficult to handle, but captive-raised animals are much less shy.^{[citation needed]}