Black Tree Monitors for Sale
USCBB Unsexed Black Tree Monitor (Varanus beccarii) VB2026-2
$2,000.00
USCBB Unsexed Black Tree Monitor (Varanus beccarii) VB2026-1
$2,000.00
Varanus beccarii
The Black Tree Monitor is distinctive for its completely black adult coloration, earning it the nickname "mini black dragon" among monitor enthusiasts. Native to the Aru Islands, South of Papua New Guinea, these arboreal specialists undergo a dramatic transformation from juveniles with yellowish green dots scattered across jet black bodies to uniformly solid black adults. Reaching just over 3 feet in length with exceptionally long prehensile tails that make up more than half their total size, they're perfectly adapted for life in the forest canopy. Their small manageable size, combined with their striking appearance and engaging personalities, makes them highly desirable for keepers looking for a dramatic display animal without the space demands of larger monitors.
We produce captive bred Black Tree Monitors right here in our facility. Every animal hatches in optimal conditions, feeds readily on varied diets of insects and quail, and arrives to you healthy, parasite free, and already acclimated to captive life. You get our health guarantee, detailed care protocols specific to tree monitor husbandry, and direct access to our breeding team for ongoing support.
Black Tree Monitor Overview
Black Tree Monitors follow the same care requirements as other tree monitor species. Hatchlings start in 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall by 2 feet deep enclosures, graduating to 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 2 feet deep minimum setups as adults. Their color transformation from spotted juveniles to solid black adults occurs gradually over the first year, making it fascinating to watch them develop. They feed every other day on alternating food sources including gut loaded crickets, roaches, quail, eggs, and various feeder insects.
For detailed husbandry including enclosure setup, heating and lighting requirements, feeding schedules, and breeding information, view our complete Black Tree Monitor Care Guide.
About Black Tree Monitors
Adult Black Tree Monitors reach just over 3 feet in total length, typically around 36 inches.Approximately 60% of their total length is their exceptionally long prehensile tail, with snout to vent length measuring 14 to 16 inches.
Black Tree Monitors hatch with yellow-green dots scattered across jet black bodies, creating a striking spotted appearance. This juvenile coloration gradually fades over the first year as they mature. The transformation is gradual rather than sudden, and some individuals may retain faint traces of their juvenile pattern longer than others. In some rare occasions, adults can retain some spotting.
Black Tree Monitors require intermediate to care and are not recommended for first time reptile keepers. They require humidity control (maintaining above 65%), appropriate temperature gradients, substantial enclosures (minimum 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 2 feet deep), and daily maintenance. We recommend prior experience with other reptiles before acquiring a Black Tree Monitor.
Black Tree Monitors are distinguished by their solid black adult coloration, while other species maintain colorful patterns throughout their lives. They are endemic to the Aru Islands South of Papua New Guinea, giving them a distinct geographic range. Care requirements are essentially identical across all tree monitor species, so the choice comes down to size preference and aesthetic appeal of solid black versus colored patterns.
Yes, Black Tree Monitors require medium output UVB lighting for calcium metabolism and overall health. We use T5 5.0 ReptiSun UVB bulbs running the length of the enclosure, with horizontal basking branches positioned 8 to 12 inches below the fixture. This provides appropriate UVB exposure while allowing the monitor to thermoregulate by moving closer or further from the light source. UVB bulbs should be replaced every 12 months as their output diminishes over time even though they still produce visible light.
Black Tree Monitors are carnivorous, feeding every other day on a varied diet. We alternate between gut loaded crickets and dubia roaches, day old quail, scrambled eggs, superworms, hornworms, and silkworms. Rotating through different food sources rather than offering the same thing repeatedly ensures balanced nutrition. All insects should be gut loaded with fresh organic vegetables 24 hours before feeding and dusted with calcium powder, rotating between straight calcium and calcium with D3. Their high metabolisms mean frequent spot cleaning of substrate as they process food quickly.