The short-tailed pygmy monitor is the second smallest of the varanid lizards, attaining a maximum adult length of only 8 inches. Newly hatched short-tailed pygmy monitors look just like the adults, but weigh about 1 to 2 grams and are only 1 to 2 inches in total length. Like all monitors the short-tailed pygmy monitor has a long neck, well developed limbs with five toes on both fore and hind limbs, strong claws and a powerful tail that cannot undergo autotomy. The body colour is usually a drab olive to brown colour with lighter ocelli on the trunk. It is nearly impossible to determine the sex of most monitors by their outward appearance and the short-tailed pygmy monitor is no exception, as it is monomorphic.