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Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) wildlife photograph

Field guide · common

Lace Monitor

Tree-climbing goanna in lace-like bands — forest scavenger with a forked tongue.

Least Concern

Varanus varius

Overview

Lace monitors are large eastern Australian goannas patterned in dark lace-like bands or, in some individuals, a striking yellow-and-black ‘Bell’s’ form. They climb trees skilfully, raid nests, and cruise forest floors with a flickering forked tongue.

For Australia collectors, the lace monitor is a classic eastern goanna — tree trunk scramble, picnic-ground boldness, and one of the biggest lizards you can still meet on a day walk.

Habitat

  • Eucalypt woodland
  • Coastal forest
  • Tall timber
  • Forest clearing edge

Eastern Australian forests, woodlands, and coastal ranges with large trees for climbing, hollows for shelter, and open ground for foraging.

Countries found

Field notes

Field scale for the Lace Monitor: length around 1.5-2.1 m; weight 4-14 kg. Typical lifespan: Around 15-25 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise eucalypt woodland, coastal forest, tall timber, and forest clearing edge. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Large goanna with a long neck, strong claws, and lace-patterned dark bands. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Where to see one

  • Australia

    In Australia, strong options include Kangaroo Island and Daintree Rainforest. Kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions on an island sanctuary off Adelaide. Compact Australian wildlife in one place.

    Open the Australia spotting guide for every park note tied to the lace monitor.

    Spotting guide for Lace Monitor in Australia

Diet

Carrion, bird eggs, nestlings, insects, reptiles, and small mammals.

Opportunistic scavengers that also hunt actively on the forest floor.

Behaviour

Climb trees when threatened; bask and forage along tracks and clearings.

Use termite mounds as nest incubators in parts of the range.

How to identify

Large goanna with a long neck, strong claws, and lace-patterned dark bands.

Bell’s form shows bright yellow bands; forked tongue continually flicks.

Interesting facts

  1. 01

    Australia’s second-largest lizard after the perentie.

  2. 02

    Lace-like dark banding or bold yellow-black Bell’s colour morph.

  3. 03

    Excellent climbers that sleep and escape up tree trunks.

  4. 04

    Eat carrion, eggs, nestlings, insects, and small vertebrates.

  5. 05

    Forked tongue samples scent like a snake.

  6. 06

    Often lay eggs in termite mounds for incubation.

Conservation status

LC: Least Concern

Lace monitors are Least Concern in eastern Australia. Roadkill, habitat loss, and persecution near campsites are local pressures, but the species remains widespread.

Sources: IUCN Red List

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Where it lives

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