If you are here to learn about monitor lizards vs komodo dragons, you’re in the right place. 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. Let’s dive in and compare these monster lizards now.
Comparing Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon
The Main Differences Between Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon
There are many key differences between the average monitor lizard vs Komodo dragons. Komodo dragons live longer than the average monitor lizard. Additionally, Komodo dragons are only found in a specific area of Indonesia; other types of monitor lizards are found around the world. While Komodo dragons are a type of monitor lizard, not all monitor lizards are considered Komodo dragons. There are many smaller breeds of monitor lizards, while Komodo dragons are the largest species of monitor lizard. But this is just where the differences begin. Let’s dive in and learn even more about these lizards now.
Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Appearance
The first difference between a monitor lizard vs Komodo dragon lies in their appearances. Komodo dragons are inherently larger than all other species of monitor lizard, as Komodo dragons are the largest possible species of monitor lizard overall. 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. Komodo dragons also have a more fearsome appearance than the average monitor lizard, given their large size. 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.
Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Habitat
Another key difference between monitor lizards and Komodo dragons lies in their habitat preferences. Komodo dragons are only found in Komodo, Indonesia, while many other species of monitor lizard are found around the world. Wild Komodo dragons are only found in Komodo or four surrounding islands nearby. Wild monitor lizards are everywhere. This leads to another difference in their habitat preferences as well. 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.
Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Diet
Monitor lizards vs Komodo dragons can have a very different diet. Given the size of the average Komodo dragon, their preferred prey is much larger than the average monitor lizard’s daily meal. 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. Komodo dragons have even been known to eat one another. Many species of monitor lizards would never consider doing this. However, all monitor lizards, including Komodos, prefer meat over plant material. Insects are another common food source for smaller monitor lizards, though Komodo dragons need much larger prey in order to survive.
Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Lifespan
Another difference between monitor lizards and Komodo dragons lies in their overall lifespan. 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. Lizards living in the wild tend to live less time than lizards in captivity. However, even wild Komodo dragons and monitor lizards live long and healthy lives. Komodo dragons live longer lives than any other species of monitor lizard. This is a common occurrence in just about any type of animal: the bigger you are, the longer you live.
Monitor Lizard vs Komodo Dragon: Behavior
A final key difference between monitor lizards and Komodo dragons lies in their behavior. There are many monitor lizards that are capable of being kept as pets in an average household. This is not the case with Komodo dragons. Komodo dragons are endangered and wild lizards that are meant to stay in the wild, while some species of monitor lizards make ideal pets. Komodo dragons are one of the most dangerous reptiles on the planet. This isn’t true of all monitor lizard species. However, this is why Komodo dragons are best left alone if you happen to stumble upon one while in Indonesia. These carnivorous lizards are highly adept hunters, and they can even exhibit aggressive behavior toward humans. Monitor lizards are more likely to leave human beings alone!
