File:Water legaan lying on rock - DPLA - fb0c802982240ff4e4a5e55adc2f8cf9.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Reptilia; Order: Squamata; Family: Varanidae; Genus: Varanus; Genus species: Varanus salvator. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 3 m; Weight: 1-3 kg; Identification: The water legaan is dark brown or black with yellow spots on its undersides and black bands lined with yellow behind each eye. The neck is long, and the legaan's nose is elongated. There is a dorsal keel on the tail, and the scales are keeled; Habitat: Waterways in heavily forested areas; Diet: Carnivore: mollusks, frogs, insects, birds, rodents, fish, small reptiles; Reproduction: Water legaans mate from April until October. The female will lay her eggs in a tree hole or among tree roots; Social Structure: Water monitors are not territorial. They are known to congregate around carrion; Behavior: Hunting is done via an open pursuit method rather than by ambush; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Water legaans can remain underwater for 30 minutes.