| Varanus stellatus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Species: | V. stellatus |
| Binomial name | |
|
Varanus stellatus |
|
Varanus stellatus, West Africa Nile Monitor, is a cryptic species of Polydaedalus monitor lizard from West Africa. It includes the west African form of what was previously considered to be Varanus ornatus. Genetically, Varanus stellatus is a very distinct species, with over 8% uncorrected sequence divergence from either of the V. niloticus races. Physical characteristics that distinguish Varanus stellatus from Varanus niloticus are not known.