Infraorder Platynota | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Lacertilia Family Varanidae Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar monitor lizard, Short‑tailed monitor, Black‑palmed rock monitor, Pilbara monitor, Rusty desert monitor | ||
Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli ) is a Species+ of monitor lizards native to Australia.
Contents
Etymology
The specific name, mitchelli, as well as the common name, Mitchell's water monitor, are in honor of Australian herpetologist Francis John Mitchell (1929-1970) of the South Australian Museum.
Description
V. mitchelli reaches a total length (including tail) of up to 70 cm (28 in). It is generally dark in colour and has many small yellow spots or dark-centered ocelli.
Geographic range
Mitchell's water monitor is found in the north part of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Habitat
The preferred habitats of V. mitchelli are swamps, lagoons, inland rivers, and other bodies of water. It often is found on trees close to the water. It prefers to shelter in tree hollows and under bark. In the wild, V. mitchelli will make for water if it is disturbed.
In captivity
In captivity, Mitchell's water monitor is reported to be very nervous and shy. It breeds regularly in captivity in Australia.
Diet
Mitchell's water monitor preys on smaller animals of both terrestrial and aquatic origin. Its prey includes: smaller lizards, small mammals, nestling birds, reptile eggs and terrestrial invertebrates (orthopterans, arachnids, beetles etc.) Aquatic prey include: fish, crabs and frogs.
