Post by Ceratodromeus on Feb 15, 2016 7:53:53 GMT 5
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Odatria
Species: V.bushi
Description
Prior to the year 2006 this species was figured to be a northern form of the similar V.caudolineatus, but research on specimens' DNA make up, as well as morphological differences, rescued it from synonymy; though overall they are very similar animals. This study{1} has shown V.bushi is very closely related to the aforementioned V.caudolineatus, and another pygmy monitor, V.gilleni. Juvenile specimens attributed to this species had brighter dorsal colorations then the adults, which are a brown/grey coloration. Brown crossbands can be found running the varanids' length. Marbled patterning, as well as some irregularly shaped blotching, can be found running on the entire dorsal side of the animal. Sexual dimorphism is present, with females being larger on average then males. Out of the examined specimens, the average female measured 128.2mm(5.0in)in snout-ventral length(range of 108-140mm;4.2-5.5in[6 individuals]) while males measured 114mm(4.4in) (range of 75-145mm;2.5-5.7in[16 individuals]).
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{1}A new species of Varanus Merrem (Squamata: Varanidae) from
the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with observations on
sexual dimorphism in closely related species'
Abstract
We describe a new species of Varanus similar to V. caudolineatus and V. gilleni but distinguishable
from each of these taxa on genetic and morphological criteria. The three species are closely related
and together constitute a species group within subgenus Odatria. The new species is restricted to
the Pilbara region of Western Australia and appears to be sympatric with V. caudolineatus at several
localities. It is more widely separated from known populations of V. gilleni. The new species is
associated with mulga woodland and is at least partially arboreal, but little else is known of its
ecology. Combined morphometric and meristic analyses indicate complex patterns of sexual
dimorphism in all three species, including relative body elongation in females that is reflected in
higher modal presacral vertebral counts in females than males of each species. Body elongation of
females needs to be taken into account in future analyses of sexual dimorphism in varanid lizards.
link to study
