Roughneck monitor lizard

Black roughneck monitor lizard
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Empagusia
Species: V. rudicollis
Binomial name
Varanus rudicollis
(Gray, 1845)[1]

The black roughneck monitor lizard, Varanus rudicollis, is a species of monitor lizard found in Southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Burma, and Malaysia. It is also found in Indonesia on Sumatra and islands of the Rhio Archipelago[2] It is sometimes known simply as the roughneck monitor lizard.[3]

The habitat of Varanus rudicollis is limited to primary and secondary rainforest and mangrove swamps.[4] In the wild the black roughneck monitor is very rarely seen, but whether this is because of its rarity or its very secretive behavior is uncertain.[1] They are often kept successfully in captivity, but have a shy disposition.[1][5]

Description

The roughneck is a medium to large monitor. It usually reaches an average adult size of 3–4 ft. (90–120 cm), with a maximum length of 5 feet (150 cm), reported.[5] The rough-necked monitor can be easily recognised by large pointed scales adorning the necks of adults.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Monitor-lizards.net".
  2. 1 2 "Indonesiatraveling.com".
  3. JCVI.org
  4. Mampam.com
  5. 1 2 "Herpcenter.com".

Further reading

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