What is the scientific name of the Blue-tailed Monitor?

The scientific name of the Blue-tailed Monitor is Varanus doreanus.

What are other common names for the Blue-tailed Monitor?

The Blue-tailed Monitor is also known as Blue-tailed Tree Monitor and Kalabeck’s Monitor.

How big do Blue-tailed Monitors get?

Adult Blue-tailed Monitors typically reach about 3.5-4.5 ft.

How long do Blue-tailed Monitors live?

Blue-tailed Monitors live about 10-15+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Blue-tailed Monitor need?

Recommended temperatures for a Blue-tailed Monitor: 70-80°F cool side, 80-90°F warm side, and 110-120°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Blue-tailed Monitor need?

Blue-tailed Monitors need 70-90% humidity.

Do Blue-tailed Monitors need UVB lighting?

Yes. Recommended lighting for Blue-tailed Monitors: UVA/UVB required.

What size enclosure does a Blue-tailed Monitor need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Blue-tailed Monitor: Baby-Young: 18”x18”x36” (<6 months +), 36”x18”x36” (1 year +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x36”x48” (minimum), 72”x48”x48” (large/active adult).

What do Blue-tailed Monitors eat?

Blue-tailed Monitors eat: Carnivorous.

Are Blue-tailed Monitors good for beginners?

Blue-tailed Monitors are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience.

Are Blue-tailed Monitors nocturnal or diurnal?

Blue-tailed Monitors are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Blue-tailed Monitor behavior like?

Common Blue-tailed Monitor behavior traits: Food motivated; Hand feeding helps bond; Very curious; Can be skittish when young; Calm down with consistent and confident handling; Arboreal.

Do Blue-tailed Monitors lay eggs?

Yes. Blue-tailed Monitors are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Blue-tailed Monitor lay?

A Blue-tailed Monitor clutch is typically about 2-7 eggs.

How long do Blue-tailed Monitor eggs take to hatch?

Blue-tailed Monitor eggs typically incubate for about 180-240 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for juvenile Blue-tailed Monitors?

Recommended substrates for juvenile Blue-tailed Monitors: RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use, ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best substrate for adult Blue-tailed Monitors?

Recommended substrates for adult Blue-tailed Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Blue-tailed Monitor?

Recommended enclosures for Blue-tailed Monitors: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Blue-tailed Monitor?

Recommended lighting products for Blue-tailed Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Sub-adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Adult: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.

What heating products does a Blue-tailed Monitor need?

Recommended heating products for Blue-tailed Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Blue-tailed Monitors?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Blue-tailed Monitors by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Blue-tailed Monitor

Common Name(s)	Blue-tailed Monitor Blue-tailed Tree Monitor Kalabeck’s Monitor
Scientific Name	Varanus doreanus
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Food motivated Hand feeding helps bond Very curious Can be skittish when young Calm down with consistent and confident handling Arboreal
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-40 days Clutch size: ~2-7 Incubation: ~180-240 days
Lifespan	~10-15+ years
Temperatures	70-80°F cool side 80-90°F warm side 110-120°F basking spot
Humidity	70-90%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~3.5-4.5 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 18”x18”x36” (<6 months +) 36”x18”x36” (1 year +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x36”x48” (minimum) 72”x48”x48” (large/active adult)
Experience Level	Advanced *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous

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Best Bundles for Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor s

Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor s

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor s

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 180 Gallon 48x24x36 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor s

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor s

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 100W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Bundles for Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor s

Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor s

RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor s

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 180 Gallon 48x24x36 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor s

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor s

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

The Blue-tailed Monitor (Varanus doreanus) is a fascinating species of monitor lizard known for its striking coloration and specialized habitat. One of its most notable features is its vibrant blue tail, which serves both a camouflage function and a means of communication among individuals. The blue coloration, while prominent in juveniles, tends to fade in adults, transforming into more subdued hues with age. This species is primarily arboreal, often found in rainforest canopies, but it also inhabits dry streambeds and riparian zones, showcasing its adaptability to diverse environments. Blue-tailed Monitors are excellent climbers, utilizing their sharp claws and strong limbs to navigate their arboreal habitats in search of food, which mainly consists of vertebrates such as birds and small mammals, along with a variety of invertebrates like beetles. This diet not only highlights their predatory skills but also reflects their ecological role as important hunters within their ecosystems.

Another intriguing aspect of the Blue-tailed Monitor is its social behavior and reproductive strategies. Males are known to engage in elaborate courtship displays, including grappling and posturing, which help establish dominance and attract potential mates. These interactions can be quite vigorous, with males standing on their hind legs to wrestle, showcasing both strength and agility. The breeding season for Blue-tailed Monitors typically occurs during the warmer months when food availability is at its peak. After successful mating, females lay clutches of eggs in hidden locations to protect them from predators, demonstrating a strategic approach to reproduction. The young hatchlings are approximately 16 to 18 inches long, and their striking coloration and active nature make them captivating to observe in their natural habitat. However, due to habitat destruction and other environmental pressures, these monitors face challenges in their wild populations, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect their unique ecosystems and ensure their survival.

Native Range

New Guinea

New Britain

Bismarck Archipelago

Biak

Salawati

Waigeo

Australia

Cape York Peninsula

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by blue-tailed monitor lovers, for blue-tailed monitor lovers. It’s what the pros use, and it’s what you can use, too.

Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect blue-tailed monitor bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate blue-tailed monitor bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Blue-tailed Monitor ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Blue-tailed Monitor is Varanus doreanus.
: The Blue-tailed Monitor is also known as Blue-tailed Tree Monitor and Kalabeck’s Monitor.
: Blue-tailed Monitors are native to New Guinea, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Biak, Salawati, Waigeo, Australia, and Cape York Peninsula.
: Adult Blue-tailed Monitors typically reach about 3.5-4.5 ft.
: Blue-tailed Monitors live about 10-15+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Blue-tailed Monitor: 70-80°F cool side, 80-90°F warm side, and 110-120°F basking spot.
: Blue-tailed Monitors need 70-90% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Blue-tailed Monitors: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Blue-tailed Monitor: Baby-Young: 18”x18”x36” (<6 months +), 36”x18”x36” (1 year +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x36”x48” (minimum), 72”x48”x48” (large/active adult).
: Blue-tailed Monitors eat: Carnivorous.
: Blue-tailed Monitors are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience.
: Blue-tailed Monitors are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Blue-tailed Monitor behavior traits: Food motivated; Hand feeding helps bond; Very curious; Can be skittish when young; Calm down with consistent and confident handling; Arboreal.
: Yes. Blue-tailed Monitors are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Blue-tailed Monitor clutch is typically about 2-7 eggs.
: Blue-tailed Monitor eggs typically incubate for about 180-240 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Blue-tailed Monitors: RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use, ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Blue-tailed Monitors: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended substrates for adult Blue-tailed Monitors: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Blue-tailed Monitors: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Blue-tailed Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Sub-adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Adult: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Blue-tailed Monitors by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Blue-tailed Monitors by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Blue-tailed Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Blue-tailed Monitor Ultimate Habitat Bundle.