Kings' monitor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kings' monitor |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Varanus
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| Species: |
kingorum
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The Kings' monitor (Varanus kingorum) is a small monitor lizard found only in Australia. People also call it the Kings' goanna, Kings' rock monitor, or Pygmy rock monitor. It's a type of goanna, which are known for being active hunters.
Contents
Where Kings' Monitors Live
Kings' monitors live only in certain parts of Australia. You can find them in the northwestern area of the Northern Territory. They also live in the northeastern part of Western Australia. This means they are endemic to these regions, which means they are found nowhere else in the world.
About Their Home
Kings' goannas prefer to live in rocky places. They are often found in the Kimberley Region and nearby areas. They like spots with lots of rocks, slopes, and open bushland or shrubs. These areas have boulders and rock outcrops that give them safe places to hide. Sometimes, they are also seen in grassy areas.
What Kings' Monitors Look Like
The Kings' monitor is one of the smallest types of monitor lizards. It can grow up to about 40 centimeters (16 inches) long, including its tail.
Young Kings' monitors are reddish-brown with a black net-like pattern. As they get older, this pattern breaks up into dark spots. Their upper body has small blackish spots. Their throat and belly are a creamy color, with some dark spots near their tail.
How Kings' Monitors Behave
Kings' monitors are very shy lizards. If they sense danger, they quickly hide. They will dart into holes, cracks in rocks, or small crevices to stay safe.
They have a long tail that they use in a clever way. They sometimes use their tail to poke and push prey out of tight spots. This behavior is seen in both young and adult monitors. This suggests it's something they know how to do naturally, not something they learn.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Kings' monitor eggs take about 89 to 126 days to hatch. This happens when the eggs are kept at a temperature of around 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit).
What Kings' Monitors Eat
Kings' monitors seem to eat only insects. Their diet includes insects like locusts, termites, and insect eggs. They are important for controlling insect populations in their habitat.
Images for kids
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A male Kings' monitor.
