The Blue Tree Monitor (Varanus macraei) is a reptile in the Varanidae family of arboreal (tree-living) lizards. It is also known as the Blue-Spotted Tree Monitor.
The Blue Tree Monitor is black with scattered blue scales. The tip of its nose is light-blue and its lower jaw is white with green scales along its neck, forming a V-shaped pattern. Its legs are spotted with turquoise eye-spots, called ocelli. Its throat is light with dark spots.
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
It measures about 110 centimetres (43 inches) in length. Females are larger than the males.
The Blue Tree Monitor is native to Batanta Island and two small islands in West Papua in Indonesia. It is arboreal, living in trees, rather than on the ground. It prefers tropical forests.
It is diurnal, active during the day.
It eats stick insects, grasshoppers, crickets, moths, beetles, lizards, and bird eggs.
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Blue Tree Monitor Lizard
Location of photographs: London Zoo, United Kingdom
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM