| Kimberley rock monitor | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Varanus glauerti male | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Anguimorpha |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | Odatria |
| Species: | V. glauerti |
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus glauerti | |
| Synonyms [3] | |
| |
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, Quinkan rock 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]