Varanidae
Squamata
Reptilia
From 3 to 4 months.
4 to 12 eggs.
Carnivores. They feed on birds, eggs and small mammals such as rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects, as well as carrion.
From 12 to 20 years old
They have skin covered with scales that do not overlap. Its body is black with yellow, white or green spots, with folds around the neck. They have a rounded snout with a long, forked tongue that they use for chemoreception; Their teeth are long and vertical and they have strong claws. Males are larger than females. They enjoy the sun throughout the day. They are extremely agile, using their long tails to balance themselves when jumping. When threatened, they exhibit a warning posture with their tails curled behind them.
The courtship ritual for reproduction includes a small fight in which there are jumps, small bites and blows with the tail.
