Argus Monitor

Argus Monitor (Varanus panoptes) Care Level: Expert Only (highly demanding) Temperament: Intelligent, curious, potentially aggressive Diet: Whole prey (insects, rodents, fish, eggs) Lifespan: 15–20 years Size: 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) – 2nd largest Australian monitor Distinct Features: Gold/yellow spots, muscular build, forked tongue What Makes This Monitor Unique: ➤ "Smartest lizard" contender – Solves puzzles, recognizes owners ➤ Extreme athleticism – Climbs, swims, digs (needs massive enclosure) ➤ Temperature-sensitive colors – Darkens when cold, brightens when basking ➤ Dual subspecies – V. p. horni (New Guinea) & V. p. panoptes (Australia) Husbandry Requirements: ✔ Enclosure: 8x4x6 ft (2.4x1.2x1.8 m) minimum – Must be escape-proof ✔ Basking spot: 130–150°F (55–65°C) – Critical for digestion ✔ Humidity: 60–80% (with swimming area) ✔ UVB lighting: 10.0+ T5 HO – Essential for calcium metabolism Behavior Notes: ❗ Not "tame" – Even captive-bred specimens retain wild instincts ❗ Tail-whipping & bites – Can cause serious injury (use snake hooks for handling) ❗ Enrichment needed – Rotate climbing logs, dig boxes, scent trails Health Concerns: Gout (from improper diet) MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) – Without proper UV/calcium Obesity – From overfeeding rodents Ideal For: Advanced herpetologists with: 2+ years of large monitor experience No small pets/children in home Wild Fact: In nature, they raid crocodile nests and eat hatchlings!