The subspecies is native to Australia's tropical Northern Territory.

[3] The subspecific name, baritji, is an Australian aboriginal word for white, in honour of Australian biological anthropologist Neville White who discovered the species.

[4][5] The preferred natural habitat of V. insulanicus baritji is rocky areas.

[1] V. insulanicus baritji has a spiny tail, and is similar in appearance to Varanus acanthurus, but differs in colour pattern.

The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor can reach up to 72 centimetres (28 in) in length.