Draft:Yellow-headed rock monitor
| Yellow-headed rock monitor | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Anguimorpha |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | Odatria |
| Species: | V. phosphoros
|
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus phosphoros | |
The yellow-headed rock monitor (Varanus phosphoros) is a species of dwarf monitor lizard. It is found in the savannas of eastern Australia.
Taxonomy
The yellow-headed rock monitor was described in February 2026, following a 2025 field survey conducted by the Australian National University in northeastern Queensland, Australia. It was initially believed to be of the same species as the orange-headed rock monitor and rainbow rock monitor, but genetic testing identified the three to be distinct.[1][2] They form a previously unrecognized clade, designated the "Varanus iridis species-group", within the subgenus Odatria, having diverged approximately 7 million years ago.[1]
Description
Yellow-headed monitor lizards are fairly small and slim compared to others in their genus. The holotype, a male, had a snout-vent length (SVL) of 168.4 millimetres (6.63 in). The lizard has a dark pattern along its back and legs, reticulated with numerous pale rings. Its head and nape are flushed with a yellow or yellow-green coloration, and its underside is pale and less patterned.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The yellow-headed rock monitor has been recorded in rocky habitats within the Einasleigh Uplands, Cape York Peninsula, and Wet Tropics bioregions. In the survey by Zozaya et al., it was most often recorded near Mount Molloy and Mount Carbine, and is frequently found alongside others of its species.[1] The lizard's exact distribution and population is unknown.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Zozaya, Stephen M; Read, Wesley J; Macor, Scott A; et al. (12 February 2026). "Three new species reveal an unrecognized clade of rock monitors (Varanidae: Varanus) from the eastern Australian savannas". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 206 (2). Oxford Academic. doi:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf192. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ^ a b Lock, Lisa, ed. (12 March 2026). "Three new rock monitor lizard species discovered in northern Queensland". Phys.org. The Australian National University. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
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