Key Identification Features
- Large dark spots run in rows along its back, becoming especially distinct at the center of the back, where they are interspersed with smaller, paler spots.
- Its head and neck are the same length, and are distinct from each other.
- gouldii by its overall darker coloration, particularly in the markings on the tail tip and underside, and distinct black banding across the back and neck.
- In terms of reproduction, the species does not have distinct sexual dimorphism, but mature male monitors from Guam have been recorded to have three times the mass of mature females.
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