Varanus Macraei
ExploreReptiles
Varanus Macraei
varanus macraei
The Varanus Macraei is a colorful lizard that loves to climb trees! It has a long tail and sharp claws to help it explore its home in the forest.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests and coastal areas.
Appearance
The Varanus Macraei is a slender, arboreal monitor lizard with a striking black body. It has brilliant turquoise-blue spots that form a distinct pattern, especially on its back and tail. Its long, prehensile tail can be twice the length of its body, often with blue bands.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyVaranidaeGenusVaranus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby blue-spotted monitors are only as long as your hand!
It often sleeps tucked into tree hollows high in the forest.
The Varanus Macraei can climb straight up tree trunks without falling!
This lizard’s tail is almost two times longer than its body!
Special abilities
Ability
Prehensile Tail Power
Varanus Macraei can wrap its super long tail around branches like a fifth limb for amazing climbing and balance.
Ability
Sticky Scale Grip
Varanus Macraei has rough scales on its feet that give it incredible grip, helping it climb vertical tree trunks.
Ability
Quick Tongue Scanner
Varanus Macraei uses its long, forked blue tongue to 'smell' the air, helping it find hidden prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 80-100 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-12 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-8
- Incubation
- 120-180 days
Diet & Feeding
This agile hunter dines on a variety of insects and small creatures found high in the forest canopy.
Age differences: Younger monitors eat more insects; adults may consume larger vertebrate prey.
Primary Foods
- crickets
- stick insects
- beetles
- spiders
- small lizards
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Leaf Insect
Phyllium philippinicum
A favorite meal
eats
Field Cricket
Gryllus bimaculatus
Hunts for protein
eaten by
Reticulated Python
Python reticulatus
Can prey on young
shelters
Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
Lives among branches
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Macraei LizardMacraei MonitorPapuan Monitor
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Varanus Macraei?
80-100 cm
How much does Varanus Macraei weigh?
0.5-1.5 kg
How long does Varanus Macraei live?
8-12 years
How fast can Varanus Macraei move?
20 km/h
What does Varanus Macraei eat?
This agile hunter dines on a variety of insects and small creatures found high in the forest canopy.
Where is Varanus Macraei usually found?
Tropical rainforests and coastal areas.
How does Varanus Macraei hunt?
Pursuit
How many eggs does Varanus Macraei lay?
3-8
Snap Map
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