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Reproduction of Dumeril's Monitor
Dumeril's Monitor has never been observed mating in the wild. In captivity, they generally mate in the late summer. About five weeks after copulation, they will lay a clutch of around fourteen eggs. The eggs should be incubated at around 30 degrees Celsius for between 215 and 222 days, although exact lengths of incubation vary
In North America breeding usually occurs in October even when artificial lights cycles are in use. Clutches can contain as many as 23 eggs and may be laid over several days or weeks. More than one clutch can be produced in a year. Eggs incubated at 28oC hatch after 203-215 days, at 26.7-30oC after 215-222 days and at 25-30oC after 234 days. In light of these figures Wong's (in Bennett 1995a) incubation period of 105-115 days seems impossibly short. Egg development does not always proceed smoothly, but the problem can probably be minimised by feeding the female on a rich and varied diet and ensuring that the incubation medium never becomes dry. Good results have been obtained using a vermiculite to water ratio of 5:6 or 5:8. Hatchlings measure about 18cm TL (8cm SVL) and weigh 10-20g, presumably depending on humidity during incubation. The youngsters can loose their bright colours after as little as six weeks and after five months can attain 13cm SVL. Youngsters should be provided with just enough water to immerse themselves and given damp substrate to hide in. This paragraph is from MamPam Conservation