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]
| Louisiade monitor | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Species: | V. louisiadensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus louisiadensis Weijola & Kraus, 2023
| |
Description
editVaranus 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.[1]
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.[2] The length of V. louisiadensis heads are about 1.82 times that of their width.
References
edit- ^ a b Pflughoeft, Aspen (August 11, 2023). "'Secretive' creature —with sharp claws — found lurking on island. It's a new species". Miami Herald. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ a b 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. 57 (13–16): 947–975. doi:10.1080/00222933.2023.2218574. ISSN 0022-2933.