That's fine, just didn't come off that way in this particular thread.

V reisengeri is in the 'prasinus complex' which are the true tree monitors. These are the lithe, long monitors that you think of as the typical tree monitors.
V melinus is more similar to a small doreanus. These are typically called Quince monitors. They're a bit longer and tend to be generally thicker, I'm sure you know what I mean. The melinus are also a bit less arboreal.

This being said, I find Thyssa to be clearly melinus by pictures although I'm no expert. They'll both required hot basking spots, lots of climbing and higher humidity, but I have heard from keepers that melinus tend to stay lower in the cage and will dig more than the tree monitors.

Here's a quick summary of natural history: http://www.monitor-lizards.net/speci...s/melinus.html

And check out Biawak Volume 4 Number 3 for an account of breeding this species that covers housing and general care.

Quote Originally Posted by BPelizabeth View Post
Don't mistake my asking questions or doing research as dismissive! That is the furthest from the truth. Its not any different than looking at several care sheets and talking to ppl to find out the best husbandry methods. Bottom line I don't care if she is a one eye'd frog with horns....I liked her. And obviously taxonomy is important to know how to take care of each individual reptile. I think that is apparent in any of my posts. Not to mention I don't know many ppl that would spend that type of money on a reptile and then NOT do their homework on it, leading to the monitor dying. Its not like we just have ooddles of disposable cash here.

What I am asking is what is the difference...show me the information regarding the V. reisingeri species as with all my research (which was pretty much all day yesterday) there is not much out there. Other than of course ppl stating that they are different.

Look I am not trying to come off as a monitor expert.....Im not at all in fact just the opposite. This is my first monitor and nothing I thought I would ever get into. But with that let me say again, I am all about the research on how to take care of every reptile and with that research so far I have found nothing really different other than a few ppl stating that they are. As I also stated if you look at the pics on line....Thyssa looks like both depending on where she is.