Lanthanotidae refers to a family of reptiles that encompasses a single genus, Lanthanotus, which includes a single species, Lanthanotus borneensis, commonly known as the Bornean earless monitor lizard or the slow-worm lizard. Member of this family are native to Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia.
The Bornean earless monitor lizard is characterized by its sleek and elongated body, reaching a length of about one meter. It has a dark brown or black coloration with vivid yellow or orange bands running along its body. One of the distinctive features of this lizard is its lack of external ears, hence the name "earless."
These lizards are predominantly terrestrial, inhabiting tropical rainforests and typically being found in leaf litter or in vegetated areas near water sources. They are nocturnal creatures, primarily active during the night, and feed on a diet that consists mainly of invertebrates such as insects and earthworms.
Lanthanotidae is considered a monotypic family, meaning that it contains only one species. Due to its restricted distribution and limited population, the Bornean earless monitor lizard is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats to its survival include habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting for the illegal pet trade, and a low reproductive rate.
In conclusion, Lanthanotidae refers to a family of reptiles consisting of a single species of lizard, the Bornean earless monitor lizard, which is endemic to Borneo and faces various conservation challenges.
