earless monitor

The earless monitor, Lanthanotus borneensis, is a rare lizard native to Borneo and the sole member of the subfamily Lanthanotinae. It is characterized by an elongated body, a relatively long neck, and small limbs, reaching up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length.1

Monitors, belonging to the family Varanidae, are lizards from the genera Varanus or Lanthanotus. The Varanus genus includes about 50 species, most of which have an elongated head and neck, a substantial body, a long tail, and well-developed legs. Their tongues are long and forked, resembling those of snakes. These lizards are found across Africa, Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands.1

Monitor species vary greatly in size, from the smallest at 20 cm (8 inches) to giants like the Komodo dragon, which can reach 3 meters (10 feet). Most Varanus species are carnivorous, preying on insects, spiders, other lizards, mammals, and birds. The Komodo dragon is known to hunt large prey such as water buffalo. Some species, like V. olivaceus and V. bitatawa, also consume fruits.1