Family Varanidae | Suborder Lacertilia Genus Varanus Higher classification Monitor lizard | |
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Similar Monitor lizard, Reptile, Mitchell's water monitor, Sand goanna, Short‑tailed monitor | ||
Rosenberg s monitor
Rosenberg's monitor, the heath monitor, or the southern heath monitor, Varanus rosenbergi, is a species of monitor lizard endemic to Australia, where it can be found in southern regions within the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.
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Adeladie zoo rosenberg s monitor
Etymology
The specific name, rosenbergi, is in honor of German naturalist Hermann von Rosenberg.
Description
This monitor can reach a length of 1.5 m. It is dark gray with yellow and white spotting and black bands on its body and all the way down the tail. The juvenile is tinged with orange.
Behaviour
Rosenberg's monitors mate over a 12-day period in January. In February and March, the female digs into a termite mound, creating a circular nest chamber. It lays up to 14 eggs. In September and October, the hatchlings emerge from the mound, generally with digging assistance from the adult.
Its diet includes birds, reptiles, mammals, eggs, and carrion.
