Dumeril's monitor

Description

Dumeril's monitor (Varanus dumerilii) is a species of lizard, endemic to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the family Varanidae. The specific name, dumerilii, is in honour of French herpetologist André Marie Constant Duméril. In Thailand, V. dumerilii is known by the common name, túdtū̀, which is an animal that appeared in children's folk songs. Dumeril's monitor is found in southern Burma and north of the Isthmus of Kra to Kanchanaburi Province in Thailand, as well as in Peninsular Malaysia, throughout Borneo, Sumatra, Riau, Bangka-Belitung and other smaller islands of Indonesia. The preferred habitat of V. dumerilii is dense evergreen forests with high humidity and mangrove swamps. V. dumerilii is a crab specialist; however, it has been observed eating snails, insects, molluscs, fish, frogs, and smaller rodents. Little is known overall about this species compared to other monitor lizards. Adult Dumeril's monitors are largely dark brown, with occasional brighter indistinct crossbars. For juveniles the colors and patterns are quite different. "The major color is a dark varnish black which is interrupted by several yellow crossways bars on the back." Juveniles have shiny orange red or, sometimes yellow heads. This youth coloration disappears after only 4-8 weeks. Adult Dumeril's can reach up to 4.5 ft (1.4 m) in total length (including tail) although typical length is 4 ft (1.2 m) long.