Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell me approx how much the tristis typically cost? Are tristis tristis as calm and tolerant as tristis orientalis? Also how can you tell the difference between tristis tristis and tristis orientalis when they are young, because tristis tristis don't develope their black heads until later, right?
Does anyone have pics of their tristis tristis?
Thanks for the info.

My tristis tristis heads were more reddish than tristis orientalis when young. There is also a difference in body pattern that is hard to describe (for me).
Try Rare Earth, they usually have both types.
Good Luck

Thanks for the response!
How well do tristis tristis tolerate being handled? Are they as docile as an ackie? Are they timid and flighty like timors? Are they quick to bite?
Also how dark do their heads and tails get when they are mature because I have looked at pictures online and most look like tristis orientalis; subspecies confusion?
Thanks again.

My tristis are more skittish than my ackies, but less so than my timors. The t.orientalis are less prone to running and hiding than the t.tristis. You should understand that this can be highly variable.
I don't handle my monitors much, but I have been bitten by every species of dwarf monitor I own, except pilbaras and storri. It's only a matter of time before they bite me too.
I believe some t.tristis can become almost all black.
You should also know that t.orientalis and t.tristis have been bred together on more than a few occasions. That may be why you see some adults that look so similar.
Good Luck

Thank you for your responses, they have been very helpful!
Do you think that t. tristis would make a good first monitor?
Do you have any pics of your monitors?
Thanks again!

I like them, and think they could make a good first monitor.
Here is a picture of two young males, the bottom one is t.tristis, the top is t.orientalis.

Thanks that helps alot to see the two side by side.
Are their tails semi-prehensile?
How old are they?
Thanks again!

You're the best!
I was wondering about these guys too. Its nice to read about them. The tristis tristis are on my wishlist...
D.