Timor monitor, Spotted tree monitor
Varanus timorensis, the Timor monitor or spotted tree monitor, is a species of small monitor lizards native to the island of Timor and some adjacent islands.
The Timor monitor is a dwarf species of monitor lizard belonging to the subgenus Odatria. Generally, it is dark greenish-gray to almost black in background color, with bright gold-yellow or sometimes bluish spotting along its dorsal surface and a lighter straw-yellow color on its ventral side. It has a pointed snout, excellent eyesight and hearing, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail that measures two-thirds of its total length. V. timorensis also has long, sharp claws well-suited for climbing and defense. The species grows to a maximum of 61 cm, and weighs between 100 and 350 g.
Varanus timorensis live in hollowed trees and branches, the spotted coloration helps them camouflage into the surrounding habitats.
The Timor monitor is found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Timor, Savu, and Rote, and in East Timor.
Timor monitors are arboreal, diurnal lizards. Their diet consist of a variety of invertebrates and other lizards such as geckos. Breeding takes place from December to March, and clutches of up to 11 eggs are laid; the eggs incubate three to four months, depending on the average temperature. Hatchlings are about 5 in long, but grow quickly.
