# 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!

- **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** They live in forests and woodlands, often near water sources.
- **Also known as:** Green Monitor, Olive Lizard, Olive Monitor

![Varanus Olivaceus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Grays_Monitor_WWP.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Wilder836, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grays_Monitor_WWP.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Squamata
- **Order:** Lacertilia
- **Family:** Varanidae
- **Genus:** Varanus

## 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

- **Sniffing Superpower:** Varanus Olivaceus can detect prey by flicking its forked tongue to 'taste' the air, which helps them find hidden food.
- **Climbing Claws:** Varanus Olivaceus has strong claws that help them climb trees to hunt for birds and their eggs.
- **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
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-junglefowl) (*Gallus gallus*) — Raids nests for eggs and chicks.
- **Eaten by:** Philippine Eagle (*Pithecophaga jefferyi*) — Juveniles are prey for large raptors.

## 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.
- [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

Always observe from a distance - these lizards can be fast!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Varanus Olivaceus?

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 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

## 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*)

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Source: [Varanus Olivaceus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/varanus-olivaceus)