Kimberley rock monitor | |
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Varanus glauerti male | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Varanidae |
Genus: | Varanus |
Subgenus: | Odatria |
Species: | V. glauerti
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Binomial name | |
Varanus glauerti | |
Synonyms[3] | |
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The Kimberley rock monitor (Varanus glauerti) is a medium-sized species of monitor lizard[4] in the family Varanidae. The species is native to Northern Australia. Also known commonly as Glauert's monitor and the Kakadu sand goanna,[5] it belongs to the subgenus Odatria.[6]
The specific name, glauerti, is in honor of English-born Australian herpetologist Ludwig Glauert.[5]
V. glauerti is found in the extreme northwestern part of the Australian state of Western Australia, and in the northern tip of Northern Territory.[1]
V. glauerti grows up to 80 cm (31 in) long, and three-quarters of its length is the long tail.[citation needed]
V. glauerti lives almost exclusively on rocky cliff faces, but is also found in humid forests.[1] It is rupicolous, and prefers humid conditions.[1][4]
V. glauerti preys upon insects such as caterpillars, cockroaches, and orthopterans, and also upon small lizards such as geckos and their eggs.[1]
V. glauerti is oviparous,[1] and sometimes parthenogenetic.[3]