Varanus ocreatus is its own species and is no longer considered a subspecies of Varanus storri. They are among the smallest Australian monitors, with a typical snout-vent length (excluding the tail) of around 12cm in adults.

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The coloration of ocreatus monitors typically consists of dark brown to reddish-brown on their back, with cream to white flecks and ocelli along their sides. The center of the back may have a brighter brownish-red shading.

The underside is usually cream in color. They may possess a dark streak between the eye and ear, similar to ackies monitors. Physically, ocreatus monitors resemble storri monitors, with a stocky body and a robust tail with spines similar to acanthurus monitors. However, male ocreatus monitors have a larger, stronger-looking head compared to storri monitors.

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Ocreatus monitors are distributed around the northern NT/WA border near the Kimberley region. Their habitat is tropical savannah bordering on arid, and they are often found directly under rocks or in short burrows beneath them.

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In the Australian reptile hobby, ocreatus monitors are typically abundant. In captivity, they generally behave like small ackies monitors, with some individuals being more bold than others. They are easily habituated to human contact, and tong and hand feeding can be established with most individuals.

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It's important to note that, similar to storri monitors, adult ocreatus monitors should typically be kept in pairs. While multiple animals may get along for some time, it often ends in brutal fighting between females.

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Here are the revised husbandry guidelines for Varanus ocreatus:

Enclosure size: A relatively small enclosure of around 60cm x 60cm is suitable for this species. Since they are totally terrestrial, vertical height is not an issue.

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Substrate and furnishings: Sand and soil substrate are suitable for ocreatus monitors. Providing plenty of hollows for hides or flat rocks for them to burrow under is important. Scattering leaf litter on the floor can help keep them occupied and encourage foraging.

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Temperatures and lighting: Adequate UVB lighting is essential. A basking hot spot with a bright lamp directed onto a rock or tiles should have a temperature of around 50-65°C. The ambient heat gradient over the rest of the enclosure should be around 28-33°C during the warmer active months.

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Humidity: Ocreatus monitors benefit from regular misting, especially during the warmer months, as they come from a tropical savannah environment. Providing a humidity hide is generally recommended.

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Feeding: The bulk of their diet should consist of crickets, wood roaches, and other insects. Regular dusting of calcium powder and vitamins is necessary. Occasionally, you can include chopped pinkie mice, lean turkey or chicken mince, chopped chicken hearts, boiled chicken eggs, quail eggs, and chopped day-old quail. Maintaining a well-balanced variety is important.

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Life span: The average recorded captive life span of Varanus ocreatus is around 10-12 years.