Common name: black headed monitor / black tailed monitor
Scientific name: Varanus tristis tristis
Described: Schlegel, 1839
Size: 60-80cm
Enclosure
Size (minimum)Juvenile: 90 × 45 × 60 cm (36 × 18 × 24 in) Adult: 150 × 60 × 90 cm (5 × 2 × 3 ft) minimum. Bigger is always better. They are very active climbers.
Setup. Arboreal/semi-arboreal → provide:Branches and vertical climbing structures, Cork bark tubes / hollows (they love tight hiding spots). Substrate, Soil/sand mix (holds burrows well)Alternatives: coco fiber + topsoil mix
Temperature & Lighting Basking spot 55–65°C (130–150°F) surface temp (very important!)Ambient temps, Warm side: 30–35°C (86–95°F)Cool side: 24–27°C (75–80°F)Night temps can drop to 20–24°C (68–75°F)
UVB, Strong UVB required (e.g. T5 10.0 or 12%)Place within proper distance (follow bulb specs) Humidity, Moderate: 40–60% Provide occasional misting, Humid hide (especially for shedding)🍗 Diet.
Staple food Insects:Crickets ,Roaches (Dubia, etc.)Locusts, occasional: Mealworms / superworms (in moderation)Snails. Protein treats (less frequent)Pinkie mice, eggs (rare)
Feeding schedule.
Juveniles: daily. Adults: 3–4 times per week. Supplements: Calcium (most feedings)Multivitamin (1–2× weekly)
Behavior & Handling. Highly intelligent and curious can become quite tame with patience. Start slow, let them come to you. Avoid sudden grabs.They are fast—handle in a safe space
