Komodo dragons are the largest members of the monitor lizard family, and the largest living lizards. They grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and can weigh over 150 pounds (70 kg). Komodo dragons are the dominant predators on the islands they call home, and are skilled and both hunting and scavenging.
They are heavy bodied reptiles, with a tail length that is roughly as long as the rest of their body. They have pointed and serrated teeth and along, forked tongue with they use for tasting and smelling. Their body is covered with armored scales reinforced with bony osteoderms, making them very tough.
Komodo dragon saliva has long been the cause of debate among scientists. For a long time it was believed that their saliva contained bacteria that would cause infections in their prey, though that has largely been disproven. It has also been suggested that their bite is venomous, though this is disputed by some scientists who believe that, while they may produce an “oral secretion”, its purpose is not necessarily to aid in bringing down its prey.
