Monitors belong to the family Varanidae . Some are small reptiles of less than a foot in length, while the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard, grows to 364 lb.
All monitors are tropical reptiles.
They are active lizards, that may be very hostile, lashing out with their tails upon the slightest provocation. Even a small monitor can produce a stinging lash with its tail. The claws of monitors are long and sharp. The jaws are very strong. Once they bite something it is very difficult to get them to let go.