Euprepiosaurus
Varanus spinulosus MERTENS 1941
Spiny Neck Monitor
 
spinulosus
V. spinulosus
courtesy of R. Sprackland

Varanus spinulosus is a member of the subgenera Euprepiosaurus. MERTENS (1941) described this species as subspecies of V. indicus. SPRACKLAND (1992b, 1993a; 1994b) lifted it up into species status, although both morphological and in scalation show no big differences, but V. spinulosus has a more massive head than V. indicus.
The major coloration of the Spiny Neck Monitor is olive-green to a very dark brown. Big yellow spots, which are ordered in rows, forming crossways over the back of V. spinulosus. Because the tail is pressed laterally together, which is similar to V. indicus, this species is assumed to have an aquatic way of life.

 

 
Distribution, habitat and behavior

spinulosus

The distribution of Varanus spinulosus is restricted to some islands of the Salomon Islands. The single speciemen, which was available for the description by SPRACKLAND (1992b, 1993a, 1994b), came from Georges Island from the Solomonen Islands. Several animals have been imported into the USA within the last years. At this it shall be animals of the Ysabel Island from the Solomonen Islands.
Keeping and breeding
 Nothing is known on captive husbandry till now. However, great differences to the keeping of V. indicus might not arise. A big water basin always should be in the enclosure. Perhaps you also can use an aquarium as basic element on which you then build a land part, similar to that, which is described for the keeping of V. mertensi. Some big branches should make it possible for the animals to leave the water and give them some hiding places.
As food we can offer the animals all kinds of insects, crabs, fishes and mice. These also might represent the main food items in the wild.
   
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