
However, even wild Komodo dragons and monitor lizards live long and healthy lives. Lizards living in the wild tend to live less time than lizards in captivity. Komodo dragons can live an average of 20-30 years, if not longer, while the average monitor lizard lives anywhere from 8-20 years, depending on the species. Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: LifespanĪnother difference between monitor lizards and Komodo dragons lies in their overall lifespan. Insects are another common food source for smaller monitor lizards, though Komodo dragons need much larger prey in order to survive. However, all monitor lizards, including Komodos, prefer meat over plant material. Many species of monitor lizards would never consider doing this. Komodo dragons have even been known to eat one another. Even though both lizard types are carnivorous, Komodo dragons take down deer and goats, while smaller monitor lizard species prefer to eat birds and snakes. Given the size of the average Komodo dragon, their preferred prey is much larger than the average monitor lizard’s daily meal. Monitor lizards vs Komodo dragons can have a very different diet. Jirousek/ Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Diet Komodo dragons are only found in Komodo, Indonesia, while many other species of monitor lizard are found around the world.

Komodo dragons enjoy semi-tropical islands and warm weather, while some monitor lizards are more aquatic and can handle cooler temperatures than the average Komodo dragon. This leads to another difference in their habitat preferences as well. Wild Komodo dragons are only found in Komodo or four surrounding islands nearby. Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: HabitatĪnother key difference between monitor lizards and Komodo dragons lies in their habitat preferences. Given this size difference, the average Komodo dragon can reach up to 300 pounds and over ten feet long, while most monitor lizard species average 3-7 feet long. The Komodo dragon’s neck and tail are extremely powerful and thick, while some monitor lizard species will have an average-sized tail and neck. Komodo dragons also have a more fearsome appearance than the average monitor lizard, given their large size. The 5 Best Vitamin Supplements for Geckos

Komodo dragons are inherently larger than all other species of monitor lizard, as Komodo dragons are the largest possible species of monitor lizard overall. The first difference between a monitor lizard vs Komodo dragon lies in their appearances. Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Appearance Let’s dive in and learn even more about these lizards now. There are many smaller breeds of monitor lizards, while Komodo dragons are the largest species of monitor lizard.īut this is just where the differences begin. While Komodo dragons are a type of monitor lizard, not all monitor lizards are considered Komodo dragons. Additionally, Komodo dragons are only found in a specific area of Indonesia other types of monitor lizards are found around the world. Komodo dragons live longer than the average monitor lizard. There are many key differences between the average monitor lizard vs Komodo dragons. The Main Differences Between Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon A Komodo dragon hunts its prey
#Komodo comodo dragon skin
Comparing Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon Komodo dragons ar ethe largest species of monitor lizardsĪppearance Tan, green, or gray in appearance, forked tongues, short legs, long necks and legsīowed legs, flat head, long tail and claws rough skin ranging from black to tanĭiet Insects, snakes, birds, small mammalsĭeer, goats, pigs, other lizards (including komodos)Īctive in the day avoids humans but can be aggressive

Let’s dive in and compare these monster lizards now.
#Komodo comodo dragon how to
In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between a komodo dragon and a standard monitor lizard in detail so that you can learn how to identify them. If you are here to learn about monitor lizards vs komodo dragons, you’re in the right place. However, there are more differences between these lizards. Monitor lizards are from the Varanus family exclusively. To clear up any confusion, Komodo dragons are called Varanus komodoensis. In fact, Komodo dragons are a type of monitor lizard- but there are many different species of monitor lizards other than the Komodo dragon. Monitor lizards and Komodo dragons are very similar creatures.
