Emerald Tree Monitor

Varanus prasinus

Habitat

Strongly arboreal in humid tropical, heavily forested lowland habitats, including rainforest, mangrove and cocoa plantations.

Diet

Katydids, Grasshoppers, Centipedes, Spiders, Beetle larvae, Small arboreal mammals, Other vertebrates, Occasional plant material

Facts

• Its very long tail can grip branches, while grasping feet and long claws help it move through the tree canopy.
• The emerald monitor searches a varied menu among the branches, including insects and other arthropods, with small arboreal mammals taken occasionally.
• Although often associated with rainforest, this strongly tree-dwelling lizard is also recorded from mangroves and cocoa plantations.
• Females lay eggs, and captive breeding reports describe incubation lasting about 154–190 days.

Research sources

• GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
• ReptTraits — Varanus prasinus
• Varanus prasinus (Emerald Monitor) | Animal Diversity Web