The Blue Tree Monitor (Varanus macraei) is a strikingly vibrant lizard renowned for its electric blue and black patterning. First described by science in 2001, it is considered one of the most beautiful and intelligent members of the monitor family.

Appearance: Its black body is covered in turquoise-blue "ocelli" (eye-like spots). It has a long, slender neck and a prehensile tail that is nearly twice its body length, used like a fifth limb for climbing.

Size: They can reach a total length of about 3.5 feet (1.1 meters), with males being slightly larger and more "muscular" than females.

Native Habitat: This species is found exclusively on the island of Batanta in Indonesia, a tiny area of only 450 km².

Intelligence: Highly alert and capable of problem- solving, these lizards have been observed using "puzzle boxes" in captivity to retrieve food.

Here's a photo of a baby in a more flattering light.