Varanus Olivaceus
ExploreReptiles
Varanus Olivaceus
varanus olivaceus
The Varanus Olivaceus, also known as the olive monitor lizard, is a fascinating creature with a sleek body and vibrant colors. These lizards are known for their agility and ability to climb trees with ease!
Habitat: They live in forests and woodlands, often near water sources.
Appearance
The Varanus Olivaceus is a large monitor lizard with an olive-green to greenish-brown body, often mottled with darker spots. Its robust build includes a relatively small head and a long, muscular tail. It can be distinguished by its smooth, bead-like scales.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyVaranidaeGenusVaranus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby monitors hatch with a special egg tooth to break out of their shell, then it falls off!
They use their amazing sense of smell to find buried turtle eggs and hidden insects.
This lizard is one of the only monitor species known to eat mostly snails and crabs!
Unlike many monitors, this shy species prefers to hide high up in tree canopies.
Special abilities
Ability
Sniffing Superpower
Varanus Olivaceus can detect prey by flicking its forked tongue to 'taste' the air, which helps them find hidden food.
Ability
Climbing Claws
Varanus Olivaceus has strong claws that help them climb trees to hunt for birds and their eggs.
Ability
Jaw Power
Varanus Olivaceus has powerful jaws and blunt teeth that help them crush shells of crabs and snails.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-200 cm
- Weight
- 5-15 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-15
- Incubation
- 200-240 days
Diet & Feeding
Mostly eats snails and crabs, but also enjoys insects, small mammals, and bird eggs.
Primary Foods
- snails
- crabs
- insects
- bird eggs
- small mammals
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Giant African Snail
Achatina fulica
Hunts this invasive land snail species.
eats
Land Crab
Cardisoma carnifex
Preys on various land crabs in its habitat.
eats
Red Junglefowl
Gallus gallus
Raids nests for eggs and chicks.
eaten by
Philippine Eagle
Pithecophaga jefferyi
Juveniles are prey for large raptors.
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.
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
Green MonitorOlive LizardOlive Monitor
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always observe from a distance - these lizards can be fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Varanus Olivaceus?
150-200 cm
How much does Varanus Olivaceus weigh?
5-15 kg
How long does Varanus Olivaceus live?
10-15 years
How fast can Varanus Olivaceus move?
20 km/h
What does Varanus Olivaceus eat?
Mostly eats snails and crabs, but also enjoys insects, small mammals, and bird eggs.
Where is Varanus Olivaceus usually found?
They live in forests and woodlands, often near water sources.
How does Varanus Olivaceus hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Varanus Olivaceus lay?
10-15
Snap Map
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