Lemon monitor (Varanus zugorum)

Short answers

Lemon monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×180 cm for a pair — with these species height matters more than floor area.

Lemon monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 22–25 °C.

Lemon monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Lemon monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Lemon monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–32 °C

Night temperature

22–25 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 40–45 °C

Humidity

70–90 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×180 cm for a pair — with these species height matters more than floor area

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with sturdy climbing branches, cork tubes and bromeliads

Feeding

Food

Insects of all kinds, plus nestlings and the occasional egg; regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

80–100 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Halmahera, Indonesia

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter

Cohabitation

Pairing is unproven, since the species has not been observed since 1980. In related Euprepiosaurus species: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. When in doubt, keep singly.

Notes

A strikingly pale colouration. Very rare and barely studied.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Argus monitor (Varanus panoptes) – Expert
• Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) – Expert
• Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) – Expert
• Blue-tailed monitor (Varanus doreanus) – Intermediate to expert
• Finsch's monitor (Varanus doreanus finschi) – Expert
• Boatsi tree monitor (Varanus boatsi) – Expert
• Bogert's tree monitor (Varanus bogerti) – Expert
• Lace monitor (Varanus varius) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Lemon monitor (Varanus zugorum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×180 cm for a pair — with these species height matters more than floor area), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with sturdy climbing branches, cork tubes and bromeliads), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.