Molecular and morphological assessment of Varanus pilbarensis (Squamata: Varanidae), with a description of a new species from the southern Pilbara, Western Australia Author Maryan, Brad Author Oliver, Paul M. Author Fitch, Alison J. Author O’Connell, Morgan text Zootaxa 2014 3768 2 139 158 journal article 46369 10.11646/zootaxa.3768.2.3 c232760e-33e0-499b-adc1-ede336e64d29 1175-5326 252057 40B1B7AF-84E8-4EC0-97DA-68E4BD0C482A Varanus Merrem, 1820 Type species: Lacerta varia Shaw in: White, 1790 (= Varanus varius , by subsequent designation of Gray, 1827). Diagnosis. The monotypic genus Varanus differs from all other squamate genera in possessing the following combination of character states: head long and flat, neck long; tongue long and forked, legs well developed, each with 5 strongly-clawed digits; tail long, gradually tapering, in cross section circular, rounded-triangular or laterally compressed; skin smooth to rough, somewhat loose-fitting; head covered by small juxtaposed polygonal scales and body and limbs by oblong or squarish, juxtaposed, non-glossy scales often bearing a low central keel.