Taxonomy

Varanus prisca was originally described in a separate genus (Megalania) before being moved to Varanus.Varanus prisca is now recognised as a close relative of the living Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).Varanus prisca can be distinguished from other monitor lizards by various features of the skeleton including

• subtle features of the brain case
• low spines on its trunk vertebrae
• enormous body size.

Morphology
In many respects, Varanus prisca would have looked like a larger version of a Komodo dragon, with a

• large, flattened head
• bulky body
• long powerful tail
• jaw lined with sharp serrated teeth