# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Tropical rainforests and coastal areas. - **Also known as:** Macraei Lizard, Macraei Monitor, Papuan Monitor ![Varanus Macraei](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Varanus_macraei_-_Reptilium_Landau_01.jpg&width=800) Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Varanus_macraei_-_Reptilium_Landau_01.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Varanidae - **Genus:** Varanus ## 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 - **Prehensile Tail Power:** Varanus Macraei can wrap its super long tail around branches like a fifth limb for amazing climbing and balance. - **Sticky Scale Grip:** Varanus Macraei has rough scales on its feet that give it incredible grip, helping it climb vertical tree trunks. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leaf-insect) (*Phyllium philippinicum*) — A favorite meal - **Eats:** [Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-cricket) (*Gryllus bimaculatus*) — Hunts for protein - **Eaten by:** [Reticulated Python](https://www.snappit.app/explore/reticulated-python) (*Python reticulatus*) — Can prey on young - **Shelter:** Weeping Fig (*Ficus benjamina*) — Lives among branches ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Varanus Macraei? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Varanus Macraei: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/varanus-macraei)