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another lace monitor clutch

crocdoc2 Aug 23, 2012 03:08 AM

This first photograph shows this clutch of eggs as they expand and contract through incubation. They got really swollen mid-incubation and were quite turgid, which can sometimes be a worry if they're incubated on substrate but doesn't seem to be an issue when incubated suspended over water. They slimmed down a bit before pipping but didn't dent at all. One pipped on day 261 and hatched on day 262, which is why it's missing from the photograph taken on day 263.

The swollen eggs produced huge babies, the largest I've ever hatched (40% above average hatchling weight in some cases), which is what you'd expect with high water content. It's also significant that they all pipped and hatched over only a few days instead of stretched over a long period, which can sometimes be the case with lace monitor eggs incubated on substrate.

A close-up of an egg tooth.

Different hatching styles.

All eight hatchlings.

Replies (14)

dekaybrown Aug 23, 2012 05:26 PM

They are such beautiful lizards when they first hatch.
-----
Regards,
Wayne A. Harvey
Thamnophis US
Savannah Monitors
Snakes and Lizards, It don't get any better....

crocdoc2 Aug 23, 2012 06:49 PM

"They are such beautiful lizards when they first hatch."

... and they stay that way as they grow!


dekaybrown Aug 23, 2012 08:11 PM

rub it in.....
-----
Regards,
Wayne A. Harvey
Thamnophis US
Savannah Monitors
Snakes and Lizards, It don't get any better....

mightymouseec04 Aug 24, 2012 12:19 AM

They are beautiful creatures in general, amazing. How do I get one in California??? Oh my dreams….  Great job

pyoung1967 Feb 15, 2013 10:32 AM

Do you have any for sale, I live in Virginia

dav46 Aug 24, 2012 09:44 AM

Holy smokes, beautiful and great job! A bucket full of Lace monitors- incredible!

jburokas Aug 24, 2012 06:27 PM

Great work again, David. I finally broke down and SIM'd some Monitor eggs too (and Ornate Uromastyx). I'll post how they go in a few months.

Krusty

crocdoc2 Aug 24, 2012 10:14 PM

Can't wait to hear/read your thoughts on them, as you've had enough experience with incubating on medium to spot any differences immediately.

robyn@ProExotics Aug 26, 2012 02:23 PM

Nice detail capture!
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Robyn@ ShipYourReptiles.com TheReptileReport.com

and ProExotics.com

VICtort Aug 26, 2012 07:32 PM

Congratulations on the husbandry and incubation that yields great results. Wow, 262 days, you must be so relieved after such a long wait. Is it typical for large monitors to take that long or do they diapause like some tortoise eggs? I guess big things take a while to develop... Vic

crocdoc2 Aug 26, 2012 09:12 PM

Thanks! All monitor eggs take a relatively long time to develop compared to most other reptiles, but only a handful of the larger species go into the 250 day realm.

From what I understand, studies that have been done on embryonic development in monitors have shown that they don't undergo diapause - they just take a long time to develop.

The first clutch I ever incubated I checked daily (that's a lot of wear and tear on an incubator door doing that every day for almost 3/4 of a year!), but these days I find it's best if I forget they're there for most of the incubation. I suppose it's always a relief when they hatch, but usually if they are still looking viable after two weeks they'll go the full distance.

FR Aug 29, 2012 07:12 PM

Congrats, great job.

PWilson1985 Oct 12, 2012 08:24 AM

Oh my gosh, those are absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations on them.

pyoung1967 Apr 03, 2013 09:01 AM

Do you know of any breeders in the U.S.

Thanks

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