Lace Monitor
Varanus varius
Lace monitors are the second biggest monitor species in Australia, after the Perentie, and can grow up to 2m long. They are dark grey with yellow banding and spots. They have long claws to assist with climbing and digging with a tail that is almost twice the length of the body.
They inhabit forests and coastal woodlands. Lace monitors are threatened by habitat loss as well as feral species such as foxes and pigs.
WHAT THEY EAT
They have wide ranging diet including insects, reptiles and small mammals, even raiding bird nests eating their eggs. Lace monitors have a fork-shaped tongue that transfers scent information into their mouth.
BREEDING
Lace monitors are solitary but will come together during breeding season; typically in spring. Females have been known to mate with multiple partners. She will lay 6-12 eggs, preferably in a termite mound, relying on termites to seal the hole. The eggs will remain there for 8-9 months before the female will return to dig them out.
