| Black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | V. (Odatria) |
| Species: | V. baritji |
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus baritji King & Horner, 1987[1] |
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The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor, Varanus baritji, is a medium-sized ground dwelling monitor lizard.[2] It is also known as White’s ridged-tailed monitor[2] or White's dwarf goanna.[3] It is found in the northernmost part of the Northern Territory of Australia.[4][5]
The species name of this lizard, baritj, is an Australian aboriginal word for white, as the lizard is named after its discoverer, Dr. Neville White.[1]
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This monitor lizard is spiny. It is similar to Varanus acanthurus in appearance, but differs in colour patterns. For example, Varanus baritji has a bright yellow underside. However, Varanus baritji lacks the light and dark dorsal neck stripes and the light ocellated markings on its back for which Varanus acanthurus is known. The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor can reach up to 72 cm in length.[3]
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