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Argus Monitor

The Argus Monitor is a species of large size Australian monitors that are common in the pet trade. These are lizards that have the unique ability to stand ‘tripod’ i.e., using their hind feet and their tail, when in danger or when searching for prey. They can move very fast both on land and in water. Two subspecies of these reptiles could yet be identified.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Family Varanidae
    Genus Varanus
    Subgenus Varanus
    Species V. panoptes
    Scientific Name Varanuspanoptes


    Other Names Yellow-spotted monitor
    Length 4–5 feet (120–140 cm)
    Coloration Brownish to dark brown with even rows of fine to medium yellow spots throughout the body
    Distribution Northern regions of Australia and southern New Guinea
    Habitat Lives in burrows (self-dug or pre-existing) in open lands with moderate vegetation
    Diet Fish, crabs, small birds, rodents, insects, other monitors
    Clutch Size 6 to 13 eggs
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)

    Argus Monitor Pictures Gallery

    Published on March 9th 2017 by under Lizards. Article was last reviewed on 14th June 2019.

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