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Varanus melinus is a representative of the mangrove monitor group (V. indicus species group), which currently comprises the following 13 species (in chronological order, see Koch et al., 2009; Ziegler et al., 2007a; 2007b; Weijola & Sweet, 2010): V. indicus, V. doreanus, V. jobiensis, V. finschi, V. melinus, V. yuwonoi, V. caerulivirens, V. cerambonensis, V. juxtindicus, V. zugorum, V. rainerguentheri, V. lirungensis, and V. obor. Varanus melinus is medium-sized, with a maximum total length surpassing 128 cm. Characteristic is its yellow ground coloration in adults, with a more or less discernible dark reticulated pattern on the body, neck, limbs and tail base. Hatchlings are black with a light yellow pattern consisting of transverse rows of yellow ocelli on the dorsum. With age, the dark coloration of the head and neck region is gradually replaced by the yellow ground coloration seen in sub-adults and adults (Ziegler & Böhme, 2004). Ziegler & Böhme also summarized what is currently known about the natural history of V. melinus, which in most instances derives from captive conditions. Only scarce data are known from the natural habitat. Bayless & Adragna (1999) reported V. melinus to inhabit interior tropical lowland forests on Taliabu, which are characterized by a high density of dipterocarp trees; however, these authors never set foot on the original habitat of the species. Based on actual field observations, Weijola & Sweet (2010) recently stated that V. melinus seems to prefer more open habitats away from the immediate mangrove zone. Weijola & Sweet (2010) also commented that the colorful and highly sought after V. melinus has, according to the local animal trader on Mangole, experienced a serious population decline, resulting in the removal of more than 10,000 animals in the past decade. The quince monitor (''Varanus melinus'') is a species of monitor lizards endemic to Indonesia. It is very closely related to the mangrove monitor (''Varanus indicus''), with both belonging to the subgenus ''Euprepiosaurus''.〔 ==Description== The quince monitor has a bright yellow head, legs, back and tail. ''Varanus melinus'' has a black reticulation on the lower part of its neck. The tail has alternating bands of yellow and black which get pale toward the last third. Its tongue is light pink in color with little variation. The quince monitor's nostril is situated closer to the tip of its snout than to its eye. This species can reach in total length.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Quince Monitor」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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