Mitchell's water monitor

Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli) is a semiaquatic species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. The species is native to Australia.[3]

Mitchell's water monitor
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Odatria
Species:
V. mitchelli
Binomial name
Varanus mitchelli

Etymology

The specific name, mitchelli, as well as the common name, Mitchell's water monitor, are in honor of Australian herpetologist Francis John Mitchell (1929–1970) of the South Australian Museum.[4][5]

Description

Varanus mitchelli reaches a total length of up to 70 cm (28 in). It is generally dark in colour and has many small yellow spots or dark-centered ocelli.[1]

Geographic range

Mitchell's water monitor is found in the north part of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.[1][2]

Habitat

The preferred habitats of V. mitchelli are swamps, lagoons, inland rivers, and other bodies of water. It often is found on trees close to the water. It prefers to shelter in tree hollows and under bark.[1][6] In the wild, V. mitchelli will make for water if it is disturbed.[1]

Reproduction

Varanus mitchelli is oviparous.[7]

In captivity

In captivity, Mitchell's water monitor is reported to be very nervous and shy. It is extremely uncommon in captivity.

Diet

Mitchell's water monitor preys on smaller animals of both terrestrial and aquatic origin. Its prey includes: smaller lizards, small mammals, nestling birds, reptile eggs and terrestrial invertebrates (orthopterans, arachnids, beetles etc.). Aquatic prey include: fish, crabs and frogs.[6]

References
  1. Goannas (lizard family Varanidae). Komododragon.biz. Retrieved on 2012-08-22.
  2. "GBIF.org". Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  3. Böhme, Wolfgang (2003), Checklist of the living lizards of the world (family Varanidae), Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum, p. 32, ISBN 978-90-73239-86-9
  4. Pianka, Eric R.; King, Dennis; King, Ruth Allen (2004). Varanoid lizards of the world. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-34366-6. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  5. Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Varanus mitchelli, p. 179).
  6. "Mampam.com". Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  7. Species Varanus mitchelli at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.

Further reading
  • Ávalos, J. de & Martínez Carrión, P. (1997). "Warane". Reptilia (Münster) 2 (5): 16–21. (in German).
  • Bennet, D.F. (2003). "Australische Warane". Reptilia (Münster) 8 (5): 18–25. (in German).
  • Bennet, D.F. (2003). "Australian Monitors". Reptilia (Great Britain) (30): 12–19.
  • Bonetti (2002). 100 Sauri. Milan: Mondadori. 192 pp. (in Italian).
  • Bustard, H.R. (1970). Australian Lizards. Sydney: Collins. 162 pp.
  • Cogger, H.G. (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Sixth Edition. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Publishing. 808 pp.
  • De Lisle, H.F. (1996). Natural History of Monitor Lizards. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing.
  • Eidenmüller, B. (2007). "Small monitors in the terrarium". Reptilia (GB) (50): 12–19.
  • Mertens, R. (1958). "Bemerkungen über die Warane Australiens". Senckenberg. Biol. 39: 229–264. (Varanus mitchelli, new species, p. 256). (in German).
  • Storr, G.M. (1980). "The monitor lizards (genus Varanus Merrem, 1820) of Western Australia". Records of the Western Australian Museum 8 (2): 237–293.
  • Swanson, S. (1976). Lizards of Australia. Sydney: Angus & Robertson. 80 pp.
  • Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. ISBN 978-1921517280.
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