| Quince Monitor | |
|---|---|
| Quince Monitor | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | V. (Euprepiosaurus)[1] |
| Species: | V. melinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus melinus Böhme & Ziegler, 1997 [2][3] |
|
The quince monitor (Varanus melinus) is a species of monitor lizard, endemic to Indonesia. It is very closely related to the mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus), with both belonging to the subgenus Euprepiosaurus.[4]
The quince monitor has a bright yellow head, legs, back and tail. Varanus melinus has a black reticulation on the lower part of its neck. The tail has alternating bands of yellow and black which get pale toward the last third. Its tongue is light pink in color with little variation. The quince monitor's nostril is situated closer to the tip of its snout than to its eye. This species can reach 80–120 cm in total length.[5]
Varanus melinus is likely endemic to the Obi Islands in the Moluccas of Indonesia. This monitor lizard may possibly be found on the Sula Islands, the Western Moluccas, the Bowokan Islands, Taliabu Island and Banggai Island.[6]