Post by Ceratodromeus on Jan 15, 2016 3:41:51 GMT 5
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Reptilia
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: V.(odataria)
Species: V.eremius
Description
As the common name may suggest, this species' body coloration is a reddish brown, with variable dark brown or black speckling being found on the animals entire body. The underside, as well as the lower jaw, is a creamy white color. Thismkind of coloration helps this varanid blend in with the red sands of its environment. The tail, which is most of the species' total length, had distinctive black stripes running down the sides of it. This phenotypic characteristic, and being markedly larger then the sympatric Pygmy(short-tailed) monitor aid in species identification. This is a relatively small species, with animals measuring 56-165mm(2.2-6.4in) in snout-vent length, with correspondingly long tails measuring 92-293mm(3.6-7.5in).{1,2} Very large individuals can attain a snout-vent length measurement of 185mm(7.2in){3}. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males generally being heavier and longer then females.
Geographic range
This species can be found throughout most of Western and interior Australia, where it can be found in the red sand deserts. This species appears to favor areas with loose substrate, but has also been found areas with harder lacked sand. It is a frequent visitor of both man made and natural burrows, and will spend a great deal of time in them. This species is active year round, contrary to other goanna species who become inactive in Winter months{1} .
Dietary habits
This species has been described in literature as a lizard specialist, or saurophagous. Lizards make up most of this species' diet, they are particularly found of skinks. Prey animals found in the stomachs of the rusty desert monitor include centipedes, grasshoppers, cockroaches, scorpions, and of course, lizards. Lizard species taken include the clay soil ctenotus (Ctenotus helenae), Leopar skink (Ctenotus pantherinus), Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus inermis(nuchalis), Central military dragons (Ctenophorus isolepis), and the long-nosed water dragon (Lophognathus longirostris){2}.
Reproduction
Females attain sexual maturity at a snout-vent length measurements of approximately 110mm(4.3in), and males reach maturity at 116mm(4.5in){1,2}. Reproduction occurs September-December, with eggs being laid intermittently from October to January. Clutch size is dependant on the size of the maternal female, and ranges from 2-6 with a mean of 3.
References
{1} Pianka, ERIC R. "Notes on the biology of Varanus eremius." Western Australian Naturalist 11 (1968): 39-44.
{2} Pianka, Eric R. "An update on the ecology of the pygmy monitor Varanus eremius in Western Australia." Advances in Monitor Research III. Mertensiella 16 (2007): 346-352.
{3} Thompson, Graham G., and Philip C. Withers. "Comparative morphology of Western Australian varanid lizards(squamata: Varanidae)." Journal of Morphology 233.2 (1997): 127-152.