Subphylum Vertebrata Scientific name Varanus spenceri | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Lacertilia Rank Species | |
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Similar Black‑palmed rock monitor, Mitchell's water monitor, Stripe‑tailed goanna, Mertens' water monitor, Rusty desert monitor | ||
Spencer s goanna varanus spenceri
Spencer's goanna or Spencer's monitor (Varanus spenceri ) is a species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
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Etymology
The specific name, spenceri, is in honor of English-Australian biologist Walter Baldwin Spencer.
Geographic range
V. spenceri is native to the Barkly region in central Queensland/Northern Territory, Australia.
Description
V. spenceri can grow to a total length (including tail) of up to 120 cm (47 in). Spencer's monitor is generally heavier than a similarly sized monitor of another species due to its "stockier" build. It has sharp claws which it uses for digging burrows.
Diet
V. spenceri eats anything it can find, including highly venomous snakes, small mammals, small lizards, eggs, and carrion (dead animals), and is able to digest anything it eats.
Defensive behavior
When threatened, V. spenceri hisses loudly, distends its throat and whips its aggressor with its muscular tail. It is able to knock people out with its tail.
Habitat
V. spenceri lives in black soil plains with no trees; so Spencer's goanna is the only Australian monitor that does not readily climb although juvenile animals will climb given the opportunity.
Reproduction
Clutch size of Spencer's monitor generally ranges between 11 and 30 eggs.
Taxonomy
Varanus ingrami Boulenger, 1906, is an invalid name (a junior synonym) for this species.