The Lace Monitor (Varanus varius), also known as the Tree Goanna, is a strikingly patterned lizard native to Australia. Recognized for its elongated body and distinctive yellow and black banding, this species can reach lengths of up to 6.5 feet (about 2 meters). Lace Monitors are highly adaptable, inhabiting various environments ranging from forests and woodlands to coastal scrublands. Their impressive climbing abilities allow them to navigate trees effectively, where they often seek refuge or hunt for prey. A remarkable aspect of their hunting strategy is their opportunistic feeding habits; they consume a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion, showcasing their role as both predator and scavenger in their ecosystems. This dietary flexibility helps them thrive in changing habitats and contributes to their resilience.

Socially, Lace Monitors exhibit interesting behaviors, including complex communication through body language and vocalizations. Males engage in elaborate displays during the breeding season, showcasing their dominance through head-bobbing, tail-waving, and physical contests with rival males. Interestingly, these monitors are also known to exhibit maternal care, which is rare among reptiles. After laying eggs, females will often guard their nests, protecting them from potential threats until they hatch. This behavior enhances the survival rate of the hatchlings, as they are more vulnerable to predation during the early stages of life. Overall, the Lace Monitor's adaptability, dietary versatility, and unique reproductive behaviors make it a fascinating species within the monitor lizard family.