Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Suborder Lacertilia Scientific name Varanus juxtindicus | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Varanidae Rank Species | |
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Similar Turquoise monitor, Pilbara monitor, Finsch's monitor, Mitchell's water monitor, Mertens' water monitor | ||
The Rennell Island monitor (Varanus juxtindicus) is a species of monitor lizards found in the Solomon Islands archipelago. It is also known as the Hakoi Monitor. It belongs to the subgenus Euprepiosaurus along with the canopy goanna, the peach-throated monitor, Kalabeck's monitor, and others.
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Distribution
This species is endemic to Rennell Island, one of the smaller of the Solomon Islands. It is especially found near Niupani.
Description
The Rennell Island monitor can reach a length of up to 150 cm from snout to tail. The pattern and coloration on its back is very similar to V. indicus, but this species is distinguished from the other members of the subgenus Euprepiosaurus by the lack of the blue coloration (see Varanus yuwonoi and Varanus doreanus). Its tail shows no bands, nor is there a visible band on the side of the head. The throat of V. juxtindicus lacks a noticeable pattern. Its tongue only has pigment at the tip. The first third of its tail is round in diameter, without any keel. "