The Lace Monitor is one of 25 Varanus species, also know as goannas, found in Australia. They are Australia’s largest lizards with strong claws and powerful legs. Dark grey to black with cream or yellow scales forming bands and blotches. Usually have black bars across the snout, throat and chin. The tongue is long and forked. Body length to 55 cm, tail about 140 cm. Found in eastern and SE Australia from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland to SE South Australia
Photo: Dick Harding
On the ground
Goannas forage on the ground but will climb trees when disturbed. They are both predators and scavengers. Their food includes insects, mammals, other lizards, birds, eggs and carrion.
Photo: Dick Harding
