Louisiade monitor explained

The Louisiade monitor (Varanus louisiadensis) is a species of monitor lizard native to the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea.[1] The species inhabits all three major islands of the Louisiade Archipelago: Tagula Island, Misima Island, and Rossel Island. It was first described in 2023, alongside Varanus tanimbar.[2]

Description

Varanus louisiadensis has a 3% genetic divergence from other species of monitor lizards. Its body is generally black in coloration, with the presence of yellow patterns that become less distinct with age.

Measurements taken from a sample of 11 individuals resulted in a snout–vent length ranging from 115 mm to 460 mm and tail length ranging from 270 mm to 1170 mm. The length of V. louisiadensis heads are about 1.82 times that of their width.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pflughoeft . Aspen . August 11, 2023 . 'Secretive' creature —with sharp claws — found lurking on island. It's a new species . August 12, 2023 . Miami Herald.
  2. Weijola . Valter . Kraus . Fred . 2023-04-14 . Two new species of monitor lizards (Squamata: Varanus) endemic to the Louisiade and Tanimbar Archipelagos with a key to the subgenus Euprepiosaurus . Journal of Natural History . en . 57 . 13–16 . 947–975 . 10.1080/00222933.2023.2218574 . 0022-2933. free .