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 Edit this 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

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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.[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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.