Varanus caudolineatus
The stripe-tailed goanna (Varanus caudolineatus) is a semi-arboreal monitor lizard native to Western Australia. It is characterized by its relatively small size, reaching up to 32 cm in total length, and a lack of sexual dimorphism. This species inhabits grasslands, woodlands, and shrublands, often found in tree crevices or rock outcrops, and primarily feeds on small arthropods and geckos.
Key Facts
- ›Reaches a maximum total length of 32 cm.
- ›Males and females are visually identical and do not differ in size.
- ›Inhabits grasslands, woodlands, and shrublands in Western Australia.
- ›Diet consists mainly of small arthropods and smaller lizards, particularly geckos.
- ›Active during the hottest part of the day (30-45°C).
- ›Breeding occurs after July and August, with eggs laid between November and December.
Line-Tailed Pygmy Monitor
Western Australia
Grasslands, Woodlands, Shrublands, Acacia, Spinifex
- Can Grow Up To 32 cm In Total Length.
- Reach Sexual Maturity At Around 9.1 cm Snout To Vent Length.
- No Sexual Dimorphism; Males and Females Look Identical and Do Not Differ In Size.
- Northern Populations Can Grow Larger and Resemble Pygmy Mulga Monitors.
Small Arthropods, Centipedes, Beetles, Cicadas, Moths, Smaller Lizards, Autotomized Gecko Tails
- Semi-Arboreal.
- Relatively Sedentary.
- Active During the Hottest Time of the Day .
- Travels Short Distances From Tree Shelters.
- May Occupy the Same Tree For 3 Days, Potentially Remaining For Up To 15 Days.
- Displays A Degree of Sociability; Up To 4 Individuals Can Be Found In Close Association.
- Individuals Can Be Very Tolerant of Each Other, Particularly Between Males and Females.
Birds of Prey, Snakes, Gould's Monitors
About Varanus caudolineatus
Stripe-Tailed Goanna
The stripe-tailed goanna, scientifically known as Varanus caudolineatus, is a semi-arboreal monitor lizard native to the diverse landscapes of Western Australia. It is also sometimes referred to as the line-tailed pygmy monitor. This species is distinguished by its relatively modest size, with individuals reaching a maximum total length of approximately 32 cm. A notable characteristic is the absence of sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females are visually indistinguishable and do not vary in size.
Habitat and Distribution
The stripe-tailed goanna is found exclusively in Western Australia, where it occupies a variety of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and shrublands. It shows a preference for areas dominated by acacia and spinifex plants. These lizards often seek refuge and shelter within the crevices of loose bark, in hollows of mulga and eucalyptus trees, and among rock outcrops.
Diet and Behavior
Primarily an insectivore and carnivore, the stripe-tailed goanna's diet consists mainly of small arthropods such as roaches, grasshoppers, spiders, and scorpions. They also prey on smaller lizards, with a particular fondness for geckos. Interestingly, they have been observed attacking and consuming the autotomized tails of geckos too large to subdue entirely. Despite being semi-arboreal, much of their foraging occurs on the ground, and they are known to enter burrows in search of prey. Behaviorally, they are relatively sedentary, becoming active only during the hottest parts of the day when temperatures reach between 30-45°C. They exhibit a degree of social tolerance, with multiple individuals sometimes found in close proximity, and can remain in the same tree for extended periods.
Reproduction
Breeding activities for the stripe-tailed goanna are believed to occur during July and August. Following the breeding season, females deposit a clutch of 4 to 5 eggs, typically laid between November and December. The reproductive method is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average size of a stripe-tailed goanna?
The stripe-tailed goanna can grow up to 32 cm in total length. They reach sexual maturity at around 9.1 cm snout to vent length. Both males and females have identical appearances and do not differ in size.
Where does the stripe-tailed goanna live?
This species is native to Western Australia. Its favored habitats include grasslands, woodlands, and shrublands, often dominated by acacia and spinifex. They seek shelter in tree crevices, hollows, and rock outcrops.
What does the stripe-tailed goanna eat?
The diet of the stripe-tailed goanna primarily consists of small arthropods such as roaches, grasshoppers, spiders, and scorpions. They also consume smaller lizards, especially geckos, and may even attack larger geckos to eat their autotomized tails.
When are stripe-tailed goannas most active?
Stripe-tailed goannas are most active during the hottest part of the day, typically when temperatures range from 30-45°C. Even when active, they tend to travel short distances from their tree shelters.
What are the predators of the stripe-tailed goanna?
The stripe-tailed goanna is preyed upon by various animals including birds of prey, snakes, and larger monitor lizards such as Gould's monitors.
When do stripe-tailed goannas breed and lay eggs?
Breeding for the stripe-tailed goanna likely takes place in July and August. Following this period, females lay a clutch of 4-5 eggs between November and December.
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