Quince Monitor
| Quince monitor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Quince Monitor | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | Euprepiosaurus[1] |
| Species: | V. melinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus melinus Böhme & Ziegler, 1997 [2][3] | |
The quince monitor (Varanus melinus) is a species of monitor lizards endemic to Indonesia. It is very closely related to the mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus), with both belonging to the subgenus Euprepiosaurus.[1]
Description
The quince monitor has a bright yellow head, legs, back and tail. Varanus melinus has a black reticulation on the lower part of its neck. The tail has alternating bands of yellow and black which get pale toward the last third. Its tongue is light pink in color with little variation. The quince monitor's nostril is situated closer to the tip of its snout than to its eye. This species can reach 80–120 centimetres (2.6–3.9 ft) in total length.[1]
Distribution
The quince monitor is likely endemic to the Sula Islands in Indonesia, but it reportedly may occur in Banggai.[4] Initially it was reported to originate from the Obi Islands, but this was only an intermediate wildlife trade station.[4] It is threatened by habitat loss and collection for the wildlife trade.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 Monitor-lizards.de Archived July 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ GBIF.org Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ ITIS.gov
- 1 2 3 CITES Proposal: Transfer of Varanus melinus from Appendix II to Appendix I. Prop. 11.43.