Currently there are about 40 extant families of
Lacertilia. These vary considerably, e.g. in shades, colours, and sizes. For example, the largest representative among
Geckos, the
New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus), has a length of up to 36 cm (14 in), while the largest species in the family
Varanidae,
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), has a length up to 3 metres (10 ft), and a body mass of 70 kg (154 lbs).
Largest extant lizards
Here are the 15 largest extant lizards based on the most reliable measurements for size, including length and weight. These include family types
Varanidae,
Iguanidae and
Teiidae exceeding 9 kg (20 lbs) in mass.
Many representatives of this family are
legless lizards. Among these the largest species, and also the largest legless lizard in the world, is the
sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus), reaching a maximum length of more 135 cm (4.43 ft) and a mass in 1.1 kg (2.4 lb).[35]
However, this family also has lizards with legs, among which the largest is the
Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) growing to from 45.7 cm (18 in) till 64 cm (25.2 in)[38][39] in different sources.
Other large chameleons are the
veiled chameleon (Chameleo calyptratus) and
Meller's chameleon (Trioceros melleri), with lengths of up to 61 cm (24 in)[43][44] Exceptionally large specimens of the latter have reputedly reached over 76 cm (30 in) and mass 600 g (1.3 lb), although this is unlikely.[45]
Many species in this family are small to medium-sized lizards that range in length from 6 to 30 cm (2.4 to 11.8 inches).[46] There are large species in the genus Smaug, the largest of which is a
giant girdled lizard (Smaug giganteus), with snout-vent length up to 20.5 cm (8.07 in)[47] and total length up to roughly 40 cm (15.74 in).[48]
Casquehead lizards are quite large lizards. In particular, the genus Basiliscus typically measures 70–75 cm (28–30 in).[49][50] But the largest species in this group is the
plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), frequently growing to 91 cm (36 in).[51]
Another large species in this group is the
eastern casquehead iguana (Laemanctus longipes) reaching up to 70 cm (27.6 in) including its long, thin tail.
In this
family it is not known exactly which species is the largest, but according to current data the largest is the
reticulated collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) with length up to 41 cm (16 in)[citation needed] and mass 78.77 g (2.8 oz).[52]
Large species in this group are usually crown giant
anolis ecomorphs[53][54][55] The species generally considered the largest is the
knight anole (Anolis equestris), which can reach up to 51 cm (20 in) in total length, 19 cm (7.5 in) in
snout-vent length and weigh 137 g (4.83 oz).[56][57]
Species of
geckos belong to different groups. For example, many species of geckos are in family
Gekkonidae, but there are very large species in the family
Diplodactylidae. For example, to them belongs the largest gecko species
New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus), which can be 36–43.18 cm (14–17 in) long and mass 212–279 g (7.5–9.8 oz)[62][63]
A extant member of the genus Hoplodactylus,
Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii), in which be present a largest gecko ever lived (see
the largest extinct lizards) can also reach large sizes. It can reach total length 30 cm (12 in)[70] with a snout-vent length (SVL) up to 16 cm (6.3 in), and weigh up to 120 grams (4.2 oz).[71]
Another genus with large geckos is Uroplatus. The largest representative in this genus is the
giant leaf-tail gecko (Uroplatus giganteus), which can reach a snout–vent length of 20 cm and a total length of 32.2 cm.[75] Another species that grows almost as large is the
common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus), which can exceed 30 cm (12 in) and more.[76]
Outside of the families
Diplodactylidae and
Gekkonidae, there are large geckoes among the
Eublepharidae. The
African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) reaches a length of up to 23 cm (9.1 in),[80] and a mass of 75 g (2.6 oz).[81] The
leopard gecko (Euplepharis macularis) reaches even large sizes – up to 28 cm (11 in) long with a mass of 60–80 g (2.1–2.84 oz).[82]
The largest species in this family is the
giant plated lizard (Matobosaurus validus), with a total length of up to 69 cm (27 in)[85][86] or even 75 cm (29.5 in),[87] with a snout-vent length (SVL) of 28 cm (11 in).[85] Another large plated lizard is the
Sudan plated lizard (Broadleysaurus major), with a length of about 51–60 cm (20–24 in).
This family includes large and stocky lizards, including the infamous
Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), which reaches a total length up to 60 cm (23.6 in) with a
snout-vent length (SVL) of 36 cm (14.1 in)[10] and a body mass from 1 kg (2.2 lb)[10] to 2.2 kg (4.9 lb)[citation needed] depending on the source. But despite the stocky and massive body of this lizard, it is not the largest representative of the family. Greatly exceeding it in size are the
Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) and
Rio Fuerte beaded lizard (Heloderma exasperatum), with a total length of up to 91 cm (36 in),[10][88] a SVL of up to 47 cm (18.5 in)[10] and a mass from 2 kg (4.4 lb)[10] to 4 kg (8.8 lb)[89][90][88] depending on the source.
Iguanas are very large lizards, some of which can reach lengths of up to 2 m (6.6 ft) and mass more than 10 kg (22 lb). They are the largest
lizards after some large species of
monitor lizards, and the largest lizards in the
New World. Iguanas vary considerably in size and form, but even the smallest lizards in this family are still quite large. For example, the
desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) can reach a length of up to 61 cm (24 in).[91] The largest species of the
genusSauromalus is the
San Esteban chuckwalla (Sauromalus varius), up to 76 cm (27 in) long and 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) in weight,[92] while the second-largest is the
Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus), up to 64 cm (25.2 in) long.[92]
Many sources describe the
green iguana (Iguana iguana) as the largest
iguanid, often reaching lengths up to 1.5 metres (4.91 ft) and masses of 4 kg (8.8 lb),[93] and with a maximum length of 2 m (6.6 ft) and a mass of 8 kg (18 lb)[21][94] and in some cases even 9.1 kg (20 lb).[21] However, the heaviest species in this family is the
blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi), with a total length of up to 1.5 m (4.91 ft), a SVL of 51–76 cm (30 in) and a mass of up to 14 kg (31 lb)[11][12] It is the eighth-heaviest and largest extant lizard.[13]
Other large species in this family include the
Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristataus), with a length of about 1.5 m (4.91 ft) and a mass of up to 13 kg (29 lb).[14][15] It is the second-heaviest
iguanid after the
blue iguana and the ninth-heaviest and largest lizard in the world.[13] Another large species from the same genus is the
Santa Fe land iguana (Conolophus pallidus), reaching a SVL of 56.4 cm (22.2 in) and a mass of 7.2 kg (16 lb).[95] The
Galapagos pink land iguana (Conolophus marthae) have snout-vent length 57.5 cm (22.6 in) and the mass of 8 kg (18 lb).[95]
The
marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is the tenth-largest extant lizard in the world,[13] and the largest reptile on
Galapagos Islands after the
Galapagos land iguana, not including
turtles reaching a maximum total length of 1.4 m (4.59 ft), a SVL of from 12 till 56 cm (from 4.72 till 22 in)[17][18] and a mass of from 1 to 12 kg (2.2 to 26.5 lb)[16] depending on islands.
Aforementioned
genusCyclura includes other very large
iguanas, such as
Anegada rock iguana (Cyclura pinguis) reaching a
snout-vent length (SVL) of 56 cm (22 in)[96] and a mass 7.75 kg (17.1 lb).[97] A second largest species in this genus and second longest
iguanid overall, and also one of the largest
lizards in the
Caribbean, the
Cuban iguana (Cyclura nubila) reaching a length in 1.6 m (5.2 ft) with a SVL in 74.5 cm (29.3 in).[97]
The
rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) has a length in 1.36 m (4.5 ft), with a SVL 56 cm (22 in) and a mass more 4.56–9 kg (10.1–19.8 lb).[97] Previously considered of the
subspecies aforementioned
rhinoceros iguana, the
Mona ground iguana (Cyclura strejnegeri) exceeds a total length of 1.22 m (4 ft),[98] the SVL 53.5 cm (21.1 in), mass of 6.4 kg (14 lb)[97] and is the largest native
terrestriallizard in
Puerto-Rico.
This
family includes 300 diverse species. Among the largest is
Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini), reaching a length of 80 cm (31 in),[106][107] with a SVL of 26.5 cm (10.4 in)[108] and a mass of almost 1.7 kg (3.7 lb).[109] A subspecies the same genus –
El Hierro giant lizard (Gallotia simonyi machadoi), perhaps also is one of the largest
lacertid, and able reach a length of 60 cm (24 in).[citation needed] A
Tenerife lizard (Gallotia galloti) have a total length in 44 cm (17 in)[citation needed] and a SVL of 14.5 cm (5.7 in).[110] Another large lizard in this genus are
La Gomera giant lizard (Gallotia brovoana), reaching a length of almost 50 cm (20 in) and a SVL in 19 cm (7.5 in)[111]
Estimated to reaching the
snout-vent length of 40–44 cm (16–17 in) and a mass in 5 kg (11 lb),[112]La Palma giant lizard (Gallotia auaritae) perhaps the largest living
lacertid outsized even
Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini). However, on the other hand, it is very little data to confirm this, and therefore the aforementioned
Gran Canaria giant lizard is usually considered the largest representative of its family.
The longest member of this family is
ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus), having a length of 90 cm (35 in),[113] with a SVL 26 cm (10 in)[114] and a mass 0.5 kg (18 oz).[115] A representative the same genus, the
Moroccan eyed lizard (Timon tangitanus) can have a length of 70 cm (28 in),[citation needed] and is one of the longest members of this family.
The only living species in this family –
earless monitor lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis) typically has a
snout-vent length (SVL) of about 20 cm (8 in),[119] and a total length of about 40 cm (16 in).[120] The longest recorded in the wild had length in 44.1 cm (17.4 in).[121] A
specimen collected in the 1960s had a total length of 51 cm (20 in),[122] and near the time of its death an individual kept at the
Bronx Zoo from 1968 to 1976 had a total length of 47 cm (18.5 in) and weighed 209 g (7.4 oz), but it was highly obese.[123]
The largest curly tailed lizards Leiocephalus carinatus Adults may attain a snout to vent length (SVL) of 10.5 cm (4.1 in), or a total length, including the tail, of 26 cm (10 in). The
dorsal scales are
keeled and pointed. L. carinatus resembles lizards of the genus Sceloporus, but with the tail usually curled upward, especially when the lizard is in a horizontal position on rocks or on the ground.[124]
The largest
legless lizard this family is the
common scaly-foot (Pygopus lepidopodus) with a length of 70 cm (28 in),[129] a SVL of 24 cm (9.4 in)[130] with an weight of 225.95 g (7.970 oz)[131] and also the largest legless lizard in
Australia[129] and biggest in the world overall, if don't counts some members the family
Anguidae.
In this family very lot of species – about 1500. And many of species
skinks have a
snout-vent length (SVL) in 12 cm (4.7 in). Although, the largest member of this family –
Solomon Islands skink (Corucia zebrata) can grows the length of 81 cm (32 in),[136][137] a SVL in 35 cm (13.8 in) and a mass of 0.8–0.9 kg (1.8–2.0 lb).[138][139] But the heaviest is the
common blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) reaching a length in 60 cm (24 in),[140][141] a SVL of 36 cm (14.1 in)[142][140] and the mass of 1 kg (2.2 lb).[143]
The
land mullet (Bellatorias major) is one of the largest
skinks and can reach a SVL of 16–31 cm (6.3–12.2 in)[156] with a total length of 60 cm (24 in).[157] The representative the same genus – the
major skink (Bellatorias frerei) also grows large sizes – a total length in 42 cm (17 in) with a SVL of 18 cm (7.1 in)[158]
A representative of the genus Eumeces is
Schneider's skink (Eumeces schneiderii) has a length of 36.5 cm (14.4 in) with a SVL in 16.5 cm (6.5 in).[162] Previously considered of species in the aforementioned
genus –
Kishinoue's giant skink (Plestiodon kishinouyei) is the largest species in its genus and may grows a length of 30–40 cm (12–16 in) with a SVL of 14.0–17.2 cm (5.5–6.8 in). Other large members in the genus Plestiodon are a
broad-headed skink (Plestiodon laticeps) and a
Great Plains skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) with a maximum length of 32.4 cm (12.8 in)[163] and 34.9 cm (13.7 in)[164] and a SVL 14.3 cm (5.6 in)[163] and 14 cm (5.5 in)[165] respectively.
The genus Chalcides includes many
legless or almost legless skinks. The largest among these are the
Italian three-toed skink (Chalcides chalcides) and the
western three-toed skink (Chalcides striatus) which have a length of 48 cm (19 in) and 43 cm (17 in)[166] respectively. In the genus Acontias also are limbless skinks many of which are quite small
lizards, but the largest among these is
giant legless skink (Acontias plumbeus) at approximately reaching 40 cm (16 in) in length.[167]
The
fire skink (Mochlus fernandi) is the largest member in its genus and also one of the largest African
skinks, growing the length of 37 cm (15 in) and a SVL of 17 cm (6.7 in)[168]
Telfair's skink (Leiolopisma telfairii) the largest living skink in Mauritius, attains a size over 16 cm (6.3 in) in SVL[169] and may grows 30–40 cm (12–16 in) in length[170] with a maximum length of 45 cm (18 in) and a mass in 240 g (8.5 oz).[171] Its extinct relative is
Mauritian giant skink (Leiolopisma mauritiana), which in twice excelled to length of its contemporary (see
the largest extinct lizards) and was the biggest known skink of all time.
The
terror skink (Phoboscincus bocourti) is an
endangered skink and may reach 50 cm (20 in) in length[172] and 28 cm (11 in) in SVL[173][174] thus not only being one of the largest extant skinks, but the second biggest reptile on its island after
monitor lizards, and so is an
apex predator in its territory.[172]
Many
teiids are quite small
lizards. Although some members such as
tegus are one of the biggest lizards in the world after
monitor lizards and
iguanas. The largest species this large
family are
Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) and
red tegu (Salvator rufescens) attains more 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in a length and 6.8 kg (15 lb) in a mass.
Argentine black and white tegu usually counts the largest species in its family with a length of 1.5 m (4.91 ft) and a mass of 7 kg (15 lb). Although, however, the
red tegu, as more massive and bulky, can weigh more – the length is about 1.4 m (4.6 ft), and the weight is 9 kg (20 lb).[24]
The largest member of the
genusTupinambis is the
gold tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) with a maximum SVL in 40 cm (16 in).[176] Other large
teiids this group are the
cryptic golden tegu (Tupinambis cryptus) (maximum size: 391 mm (15.4 in) SVL with a 530 mm (21 in) tail), the
Cusco tegu (Tupinambis cuzcoensis) (SVL of 247 mm (9.7 in) or larger) and the
Maracaibo Basin tegu (Tupinambis zuliensis) (a 273 mm (10.7 in) SVL with a 537 mm (21.1 in) tail).[177]
Body size in monitor lizards shows greater variation than in any other family of animals[178] with adult animals weighing between 23 g (0.81 oz) and 80,000 g (176.3 lb). The family includes both the largest living lizards and the largest lizards that have ever existed, yet about a third of the living species are dwarfs that seldom exceed 500 g (18 oz) in weight.[178] Such massive size disparity between species makes the group ideal model animals to study the effects of gigantism on ecology and physiology, but at present little of their potential in this field has been explored.[178] Although, species weighing around 1 kg (2.2 lb) are often found. This family includes the
Komodo dragon, which is the largest of all extant lizards, with a length of 3 meters (10 ft) and approximate weight of 113 kg (249 lb).[173] Some of the largest representatives of the
Varanidae such as the
Komodo dragon,
crocodile monitor,
perentie and
lace monitor can count an
apex predators. In the list of the largest lizards,
monitors occupy the first seven places.[13]
The
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the largest living
lizard in the world, with an average mass in 70 kg (150 lb) and 25 kg (55 lb) for
males and
females respectively.[179] The largest males from
Komodo, may reach more 80 kg (176.3 lb). The largest specimen of Komodo dragon, a large male from Loh Liang National Park with length of 3.04 m (10.0 ft), a SVL of 1.54 m (5.1 ft) and a mass in 81.5 kg (178.5 lb).[2][3] As stated above, females are generally much smaller than males. The largest female weighed about 42 kg (93 lb).[180] The heaviest
specimen in the wild weighed about 87.4 kg (193 lb).[2][3] The study noted that weights greater than 100 kg (220 lb) were possible but only after the animal had consumed a large food.[1][2][3] The largest accurately measured individual according to Gerard Wood for
Guinness World Records was a
specimen put on display at the
Saint Louis Zoological Park,
Missouri in 1937. This individual reportedly measured 3.13 m (10.27 ft) and weighed 166 kg (366 lb), although a large portion of this was likely undigested food. Because Komodo dragons can eat up to 60% their own body weight, this weight record is considered invalid. Excluding this specimen, the Komodo dragon's maximum size is surpassed by large
snakes like the
green anaconda (up to 97.5 kg (215 lb) in the wild[181]) and the
reticulated python (up to 150 kg (330 lb) in captivity[182]), but considering that these exceptionally large specimens are reported at a much lower frequency, it is still arguable that the Komodo dragon is the largest exant squamate on Earth.
The
Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is second-biggest lizard in the world after
Komodo dragon,[1][13][183] and also the longest
lizard in the world. The largest specimens come from
Malaysia, particularly around the
Cameron Highlands, where specimens over 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in total length are sometimes encountered. Jasmi (1988) records that wild specimens can weigh up to 25 kg (55 lb).[4][5] The largest member this species from
Sri-Lanka and attained in length of about 3.21 m (10.5 ft).[1]Thailand is also home to some huge water monitors but, elsewhere the water monitor grows smaller sizes. The biggest found in
Java are around 2.1 m (6.9 ft) of total length, 2 m (6.6 ft) in
Sri Lanka, 1.7 m (5.6 ft) in
Sumatra and mainland India and less than 1.5 m (4.91 ft) on the island of
Flores.[5] Unverified weights of 50, 70 and even 90 kg (110, 150 and even 198 pounds) have been reported in escaped pets in
Florida but such enormous weights remain unverified.[1] The 80
males slaughtered for the skin trade in
Sumatra had an average weight of only 3.42 kg (7.5 lb), with a
snout-vent length of 56.6 cm (22.3 in) and a total length of 142 cm (4.66 ft); while 42 females had an average weight of 3.52 kg (7.8 lb), with a
nose-to-cloaca length of 59 cm (23 in) and a total length of 149.6 cm (4.91 ft).[184] Among these monitor lizards, some specimens weighed from 16–20 kg (35–44 lb). Another study in Sumatra by the same authors also estimates the weight of some specimens at 20 kg (44 lb)[185] while the average adult weight in the population is estimated to be about 7.6 kg (17 lb).[186]
The
crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii) sometimes is regarded as the longest
lizard in the world.[13] The longest verified individual, a
specimen at
Museum Koenig, is 255 cm (8.37 ft) long.[10][6] Some have been claimed to be much larger, including three individuals that reportedly were 323 cm (10.60 ft), 427 cm (14.01 ft) and 475 cm (15.58 ft) long, but these sizes are unverified.[1][187][7] The tail of the crocodile monitor is proportionally very long, typically 2–2.7 times the snout-to-vent length.[188] A weight of up to 20 kg (44 lb) usually is reported,[189] but in this slender and long-tailed
arboreal species healthy adults (for example, discounting obese captives) typically weigh 2.5 to 6.38 kg (5.5–14.1 lb).[10][7] Some sources suggest a mass up to 90 kg (200 lb),[190] although, this is highly questionable.[187][7]
The
Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is the largest
lizard native to
Africa alive today and fourth or fifth-largest
lizard in the world after
Komodo dragon,
Asian water monitor,
crocodile monitor and competes with
perentie.[1] In most cases, males of
Nile monitors reach a total length of 150–170 cm (4.9-5.5 ft) and weigh in the region of 5–10 kg (11–22 lb),[191] while females are about 1.34 m (4.4 ft) long and weigh about 3 kg (6.6 lb). Exceptionally large wild specimens of the
Nile monitors can probably reach about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length and weigh about 20 kg (44 lb), making them one of the largest lizards in the world
fauna.[1] In 1929, a photograph of a
Nile monitor from
South Africa was published, which was said to have reached a total length of 2.13 m (7.0 ft) and weighed almost 19 kg (42 lb).[192] The same author also reports that he shot another monitor lizard approximately 2.5 m (8.2 ft) long.[191] The largest
animal this
species reliably known to date reached a total length of 242 cm (7.94 ft) with a length from the muzzle to cloaca length 98 cm (39 in) and estimated at 12–15 kg (26–33 lb)[193] According to Faust (2001), the largest representative this species measured 2.43 m (7.97 ft).[1] A specimen with a length of 188 cm (6.17 ft) (length from tip of muzzle to cloaca is 74 cm (29 in)) was recorded from Orange Province in
South Africa. Near Lake
Chad, the maximum recorded size for a male is 2.07 m (6.8 ft) and for a female is 1.55 m (5.1 ft). The largest female
Nile monitor for which there is reliable data reached 1.7 m (5.6 ft). Thus, it seems likely that in
South Africa some specimens can reach lengths of 200 cm (6.6 ft) or more, but they are very rare.[191]
The
perentie (Varanus giganteus) is by average length and weight the largest extant lizard native to Australia and fifth or fourth-biggest
lizard in the world after
Komodo dragon,
Asian water monitor,
crocodile monitor and competes with
Nile monitor.[1] Its
endemic to arid central Australia, found west of the
Great Dividing Range. The largest
individual recorded by (Stokes, 1846) measuring 2438 mm (8 ft) in total length.[1] However based on the vagueness of this account some authors claim Stokes' reported measurement of 2438 mm (8 ft) is exaggerated and a more likely maximum length may instead be 2.3 m (7.5 ft) (Stirling, 1912).[1] There have been larger individuals supposedly measuring more than 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in total length and 20 kg (44 lb) in mass reported but such claims remain unverified.[1] The maximum size of the
perentie is probably not as great as many authors claim King & Green (1993) provide a useful discussion of size in this species. The longest found on
Barrow Island by King et al. (1989) had a total length of 1.96 m (6.4 ft) with a SVL in 88 cm (35 in) and the heaviest weighed 11.7 kg (26 lb). Butler (1970) record s a
specimen of 17 kg (37 lb) with a total length of 1.93 m (6.3 ft) from the same island.[1][194] Stokes (1846) records that two specimens collected on
Barrow Island in 1840 had total lengths of 2.13 m (7.0 ft). Strimple (1988) suggested that one of these animals was the type specimen used by Gray, which has a total length of only 2.02 m (6.6 ft). Many
perenties do not grow to such an enormous size, and the specimens on
Barrow Island may grow larger than the main
population. The limited data available suggests that females reach a smaller maximum size than males, rarely exceeding 1.4 m (4.6 ft) TL. Bredl (1987) records males of 1.8 and 1.9 m (5 ft 11 in and 6 ft 3 in) TL, and a female of 1.3 m (4.3 ft) TL. It appears that
perenties approaching 2 m (6.6 ft) in length are the exception rather than the rule, and that in general few specimens grow larger than 1.5 m (4.91 ft). If specimens of 2.4 m (7.9 ft) or more have ever existed, none seem to have survived to the present.[194][195]
The
lace monitor (Varanus varius) is the second-largest lizard in
Australia after
perentie[9] and seven-largest lizard in the world overall.[13] The largest instances may measuring in the length of 2 m (6.6 ft) with a SVL of 76.5 cm (30.1 in) and a mass of 14 kg (31 lb).[4] In 1986
Gerard Krefft suggested that lace goannas grow as large as 250 cm (8.2 ft).[9] None of this size exist now and specimens of 2 m (6.6 ft) TL are exceptional. A lizard from
Mallacoota,
Victoria measured 75 cm (30 in) SVL, 192 cm (6.30 ft) TL and weighed 14 kg (31 lb).[9] Another from
Healesville was 192 cm (6.30 ft) long and weighed almost 20.5 kg (45 lb).[9] It was found to have eaten four
foxcubs, three young
rabbits and three large
blue-tongued skinks,[9] and all this was taken into account when weighing, is unknown. And, accordingly, the most commonly used maximum size for this species is a length of 192 cm (6.30 ft) and a weight of 14 kg (31 lb) for the previously mentioned
specimen.[4][10][13] In conu'ast, a large male in the spring measured 1,5 m (4.91 ft) TL and weighed 4.2 kg (9.3 lb).
Males grow larger than
females and probably have larger home ranges.[9]
The largest representative of the
subgenusEmpagusia is
Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) with a length in 1.75 m (5.7 ft) and a SVL of 75 cm (30 in), a mass of 7.2 kg (16 lb),[200] and in captivity even more – 10.2 kg (22 lb).[201] However, in average much less – 1,5 m (4.91 ft) in a length and 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) in a mass.[10][202] Even so, by some reports it grows much larger.[10][202][195]
Another large species of this group are the
clouded monitor (Varanus nebulosus) with a length of 1.5 m (4.91 ft) and a SVL of 60 cm (24 in),[203] the
roughneck monitor (Varanus rudicollis), which has a total length of 1.46 m (4.8 ft), a SVL of 59 cm (23 in) with a mass of 4 kg (8.8 lb),[195][204] the
Dumeril's monitor (Varanus dumerilii) (Maximum size is about 135 cm (4.43 ft) TL. A breeding pair maintained in captivity measured 130 cm (4.3 ft) TL, 2,950 g (6.50 lb) (
male) and 100 cm (3.3 ft), 2,300 g (5.1 lb) (
female). Wild animals of 30 cm (12 in) SVL weigh about 1 kg (2.2 lb))[10][195][205] and the
yellow monitor (Varanus flavescens) with a maximum length of 95.2 cm (3.12 ft), a SVL of 44.8 cm (17.6 in)[4] and a mass of 1,040 g (2.29 lb).[195][206]
The largest members of this
subgenus are the
mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus) and its close relatives with a total length of 1.5 m (4.91 ft)[4][195][207] (The largest
Mariana monitors (Varanus tsukamotoi) found on
Guam were 58 cm (23 in) for
male and 44 cm (17 in) for
female in SVL with wrights of 1,900 g (4.2 lb) and 500 g (1.1 lb) in weight respectively),[10][195][207] the
Rainer Günther's monitor (Varanus rainerguentheri) with a maximum total length of 1.33 m (4.4 ft), probably even 1.5 m (4.91 ft),[208][4] the
tricolor monitor (Varanus yuwonoi) having the maximum length of 1.46 m (4.8 ft),[208] the
blue-tailed monitor (Varanus doreanus) exceeding 1.35 m (4.4 ft) long,[10] the
Rennell Island monitor (Varanus juxtindicus) reaching 1.33 m (4.4 ft) in length[10] and the
New Ireland monitor (Varanus douarrha) growing the length in 1.33 m (4.4 ft).[4]
Other large
lizards in this group include the
quince monitor (Varanus melinus) (maximum length of 1.28 m (4.2 ft)),[209] the
peach-throated monitor (Varanus jobiensis) (a total length of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) and a SVL of 45 cm (18 in)),[210] the
Mussau Island blue-tailed monitor (Varanus semotus) (a total length of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) and a SVL of 48 cm (19 in))[4] and the
sago monitor (Varanus obor) (a total length of 1.13 m (3.7 ft) and a SVL of 44 cm (17 in)).[4]
The largest
tree monitor is the
blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) with a maximum total length about 1.1 m (3.6 ft) and a SVL of 36 cm (14 in).[10][4] Another large
tree monitors are the
emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus), which can attains 1 m (3.3 ft) in a total length, 30 cm (12 in) in a
snout-vent length,[211] the
black tree monitor (Varanus beccarii) with a maximum size of 34 cm (13 in) SVL, 94.5 cm (3.10 ft) total length[212] and the
Bogert's monitor (Varanus bogerti) measuring a length in 94 cm (3.08 ft) with a SVL of 32 cm (13 in).[4]
Whilst, in this
subgenus have a lot of
species, they are the smallest
monitor lizards.[4] In its include
Dampier Peninsula monitor (Varanus sparnus) – the smallest monitor with a length of 227 mm (8.9 in), a SVL of 116 mm (4.6 in) and a mass of 16.3 g (0.57 oz).[4]
The largest species in this
subgenus is the
black-palmed rock monitor (Varanus glebopalma) measuring the maximum size of 397 mm (15.6 in) and 1.1 m (3.6 ft) for SVL and total length respectively (an average mass constitute 240 g (8.5 oz) with a SVL of 290 mm (11 in), for the max.size much higher).[10] Another big member this group is
Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli), which may grow a length in 60–96 cm (1.97–3.15 ft)[213] with a SVL in 22–32 cm (8.7–12.6 in).[10]
This are large
frugivorousmonitor lizards (175 cm (5.74 ft) long or more with a mass in >8 kg (18 lb)).[22] The
Northern Sierra Madre forest monitor (Varanus bitatawa) with a maximum size instead be 180 cm (5.9 ft) in length and 9 kg (20 lb) in mass, the
Gray's monitor (Varanus olivaceus), the biggest individual of which was just 188 cm (6.17 ft) long and a mass of 8.9 kg (20 lb) and the
Panay monitor (Varanus mabitang) with the largest
specimen which had a length of 175 cm (5.74 ft) and a mass in 8 kg (18 lb),[22][23] are one of the biggest
lizards in the world. They measuring of 76.6 cm (30.2 in), 73 cm (29 in) and 70 cm (28 in) SVL respectively.[23]
Another large member of African
monitors is a
rock monitor, and to be more precise, its
type species –
white-throated monitor (Varanus albigularis albigularis) with a maximum length of 2 m (6.6 ft) and 15–17 kg (33–37 lb)[214] and an average size of 0.8–1.5 m (2.6–4.9 ft) in length and 3.2–5 kg (7.1–11.0 lb) for
females and 6–8 kg (13–18 lb) for
males in mass[215][216][217] by some sources. But, however, according to others even mass in 7.7 kg (17 lb) is a very rarely.[195][199]
Although, large sizes may reach also other members of Polydaedalus. This include
savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) and
Yemen monitor (Varanus yemenensis) with a length of 100 cm (3.3 ft) (50 cm (20 in) SVL)[4][195][218] and 115 cm (3.77 ft) (59 cm (23 in) SVL)[4] respectively (First one can weighing don't less 1 kg (2.2 lb))[218] However,
Bosc's monitor in captivity can be extremely obese and exceed 150 cm (4.9 ft) (75 cm (30 in) SVL)[4] long and 6 kg (13 lb)) weight.[218]
The
ornate monitor can attains the length of 2 m (6.6 ft),[4] however, the ornate monitor is not currently considered a separate
species, but is merely a
polymorphisms of two different
species.[219]
The
subgenusPsammosaurus includes in its a large
lizards and medium by size
monitor lizards, growing the length of don't less 120 cm (3.9 ft).[4] The hugest member this little group and also, the largest
lizard in
Central Asia –
desert monitor (Varanus griseus) specifically,
Caspian monitor (Varanus griseus caspius) with a max.total length of 1.4 m (4.6 ft), a SVL of 58.5 cm (23.0 in) and a mass of 2,850 g (6.28 lb) and a SVL of 46 cm (18 in) with a mass in 2,700 g (6.0 lb) for longest and heaviest
males and
females respectively.[195][220] The
Nesterov's desert monitor (Varanus nesterovi) also quite large
monitor attaining 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in a length and 50 cm (20 in) in a SVL.[4]
Even medium-sized
monitors this
subgenus are quite large. For example, the
yellow-headed water monitor (Varanus cumingi) and the
large-scaled water monitor (Varanus nuchalis) with maximum length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and 1.45 m (4.8 ft), a SVL of 60 cm (24 in) and 53 cm (21 in) and 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) and 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) in max.mass respectively.[4][10] Also they include the
Togian water monitor (Varanus togianus) (1.5 m (4.9 ft) in TL and 65 cm (26 in) in SVL), the
Samar water monitor (Varanus samarensis) (1.4 m (4.6 ft) long with 53 cm (21 in) SVL), the
Rasmussen's water monitor (Varanus rasmusseni) (1.21 m (4.0 ft) in length and SVL 46.6 cm (18.3 in)) and the
Enteng's monitor lizard (Varanus dalubhasa) (1.16 m (3.8 ft) long and 50.5 cm (19.9 in) in SVL).[4]
The largest members of this group are the
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis),
perentie (Varanus giganteus) and
lace monitor (Varanus varius) (see higher).
After their, next place occupies the
yellow-spotted monitor or Argus monitor (Varanus panoptes), which also is third biggest lizard in
Australia, with a maximum length of 1.6 m (5.2 ft) (SVL of 74 cm (29 in)) and mass of 7 kg (15 lb),[4][10] although in captivity huge individuals can weigh about 10 kg (22 lb) and even more.[223]
A close relative of the aforementioned species is
Gould's monitor (Varanus gouldii), also attains large sizes — exclusively large specimens measuring length of 1.55 m (5.1 ft) (SVL of 67 cm (26 in)) with a mass of 5 kg (11 lb).[195][224] The
Rosenberg's monitor (Varanus rosenbergi) grows 1.5 m (4.9 ft) long,[195][225] probably 1.6 m (5.2 ft) with a SVL of 70 cm (28 in).[4]
Albeit, not as long as some other species of large
varanids, the
Spencer's monitor (Varanus spenceri) can weigh a very large for its length due to its massive and bulky body, and has a length of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) (SVL of 55 cm (22 in)) and mass of from 2.25 kg (5.0 lb)[195][226] till 6 kg (13 lb)[4][10] depending on sources.
The smallest representative of this genus is the
Mertens' water monitor (Varanus mertensi) with a length of 1.3 m (4.3 ft) (SVL of 48 cm (19 in)).[4] Though, not as bulky as some other species of
monitor lizards, in captivity, it can weigh up to 4.9 kg (11 lb).[195][227]
The largest night lizard is the
yellow-spotted tropical night lizard (Lepidophylum flavimaculatum) which attains a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 12.69 cm (5.00 in) with a tail 1/3 times exceeding the body length.
The largest
xenosaurid is a
knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis) with a snout-vent length of 12.9 cm (5.1 in) and a total length of 24 cm (9.4 in).[228]
See also
Megalania – the largest land lizard to have ever lived
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