VARANUS 149 



Measurements of Varanus salvator (Laurenti). 



mm. 



Total length 960 



Tail 570 



Snout to vent 390 



Axilla to groin 180 



Snout to foreleg 165 



Width of head 38 



Lengi:h of head 83 



Foreleg 130 



Hind leg 174 



Variation,— ^The variation in this species is not marked. 

 There is a slight difference in the number of labials, and in the 

 number of scales in a line across the neck and the occiput. On 

 some specimens the tubercles on the outer side of the third toe 

 are wanting. 



The color pattern varies greatly. Some specimens show only 

 series of large ocelli on a black ground ; others have the number 

 of ocelli reduced and there is much yellow mixed throughout 

 the black over the entire dorsal part of the body. The number 

 of transverse rows of scales on the belly varies between seventy- 

 five and ninety. The persistence of the black transverse bars 

 on belly varies considerably with age. Older specimens are en- 

 tirely yellow, or show only a trace of markings. In young 

 specimens the markings are more pronounced than in older 

 specimens and the bars on the belly are never especially prom- 

 inent and do not join in the middle; the edges of many of the 

 scales are yellowish, and the ocelli are not prominent; the tail 

 is distinctly barred. 



Remarks. — This species is the largest of the genus, specimens 

 attaining a length of more than 2 meters; they are frequently 

 seen especially along rivers and swamps and seem to be semi- 

 aquatic in their habits. They are, at least for the most part, 

 carnivorous and eat any flesh they can obtain, and will attack 

 any animal they think they can kill ; carrion is eaten with relish ; 

 eggs are deposited in rotting logs or stumps. The species is 

 widely distributed and is known from China, southern Asia, Cey- 

 lon, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Celebes. 



It was first reported from the Philippines by Wiegmann, in 

 1835, from specimens probably collected by Meyen; it is known 

 from Mindanao, Mindoro, Palawan, and Luzon. 



