Storrs dwarf monitor
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Storrs dwarf monitor ( Varanus storri ) |
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| Mertens , 1966 |
Storrs dwarf monitor or Storrs monitor ( Varanus storri ) is a kind of the scale reptiles from the kind of the monitor ( Varanus ). It was first described in 1966 by the German herpetologist Robert Mertens . The specific epithet honors the Australian naturalist Glen Storr (1921–1990).
features
Storr's dwarf monitor is a rather small monitor, usually 30 cm in length; the longest known specimen measured over 40 cm. The ratio of tail length to head-body length is 1.4 to 1.6. The back is slightly reddish brown in color, with numerous brown to black scales, which sometimes form a reticulate pattern. The sides of the body and abdomen are brightly colored.
The scales on the head are narrow, unevenly distributed and smooth; the nostrils are a little closer to the tip of the snout than to the eyes. Depending on the subspecies, there are 60 to 91, mostly 70 to 84 rows of scales along the trunk, and 45 to 48 rows across. The tail has spiky scales and is round in cross section.
distribution and habitat
Storr's dwarf monitor occurs in two populations in Northern Australia, which are considered to be separate subspecies . Differences in the scaling are used as distinguishing features.
- V. s. storri differs from the other subspecies by more numerous longitudinally directed rows of scales on the body (70–91 compared to 60–66). The subspecies inhabits Northeast Australia from Charters Towers over the " Black Soil Area " of Queensland to the eastern areas of the Northern Territory bordering on Queensland .
- V. s. In comparison to V. s. storri larger scales on the distal hind legs, and a relatively longer tail and legs. This subspecies mainly inhabits the Kimberley region .
Storr's dwarf monitor lives in rocky grasslands, and in Queensland also sparse forests.
Way of life
The Storrs dwarf monitor is mostly active during the cooler times of the day, only in some winter months it is also active at the hotter midday. The activity is determined by the time of year, and at times when there is a lot of food the animals try to build up as many fat reserves as possible. They are most active during February and March and between July and November. This monitor species is considered to be very shy and is rarely seen; the animals flee from danger and temperature extremes in dead trees, under rocks or in self-dug, U-shaped passages. It is a soil dweller and occurs in larger colonies; In 1973, 22 specimens were found in an investigation covering an area of 0.75 km², and the total population estimated at around 50 specimens. The animals move only in very small areas. Storr's dwarf monitor feeds on insects , arachnids , ants and small lizards .
Both sexes reach a head-body length of about 9 cm, the sexual maturity . Reproduction can take place all year round, but the late dry and early rainy seasons are preferred. The females lay 1 to 6, on average around 4 eggs in self-dug nests. The young animals hatch after 100 to 129 days, and when they hatch they reach a head-trunk length of 4.8 to 6.1 cm. They weigh about 3 g and with their dotted pattern they differ quite clearly from the adult animals.
Systematics
Based on its hemipenis morphology , Varanus storri is placed within the genus Varanus in the subgenus Odatria , and there assigned to the Varanus acanthurus group.
swell
- ER Pianka, DR King (Ed.): Varanoid Lizards of the World. Indiana University Press, Bloomington & Indianapolis 2004, ISBN 0-253-34366-6 , pp. 472-476.
- ↑ Varanus storri in The Reptile Database ; Retrieved January 6, 2011.
- ↑ W. Böhme: Checklist of the living monitor lizards of the world (family Varanidae). In: Zoological Negotiations. 341, 2003, pp. 1-43. (Full text) ( Memento of the original from June 16, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
