Head to head
Gould's Monitor vs Lace Monitor
Gould's Monitor
VS Lace Monitor
Gould's monitor and the lace monitor are two large Australian goannas, one a lizard of arid ground and the other a lizard of eastern forests.
| Gould's Monitor | Lace Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Varanus gouldii | Varanus varius |
| Size | Around a metre and a half long, with a long, banded tail and strong claws | One of the largest monitor lizards native to Australia, among the country's largest reptiles |
| Lifestyle | Travels long distances on the ground, digs burrows, and often rears up on its hind legs, balanced on its tail | An excellent climber that regularly scales trees, and will climb the nearest large vertical object when startled |
| Diet | Lizards, small mammals, insects, eggs, and carrion | Insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, eggs, and carrion |
| Nesting | Digs burrows in sandy soil for shelter and for nesting | The female often lays her eggs inside an active termite mound |
| Habitat | Arid and semi-arid scrub, grassland, and woodland | Forest and woodland, favouring areas with mature trees for climbing and shelter |
| Range | Most of mainland Australia | A substantial stretch of eastern Australia |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, widespread and common | Least Concern |
Gould's Monitor vs Lace Monitor: common questions
What is a goanna?
It is the Australian name for a monitor lizard, and both Gould's monitor and the lace monitor are goannas.
Which goanna climbs trees?
The lace monitor, an excellent climber that regularly scales trees to search for eggs, nestlings, or shelter.
Where does the lace monitor lay its eggs?
The female often lays her eggs inside an active termite mound, where the termites regulate temperature and humidity.