The Argus monitor is a monitor lizard found in northern regions of Australia and southern New Guinea. The Argus monitor is a versatile predator and inhabits a large variety of biomes and habitats. They are primarily terrestrial, meaning they spend a great deal of time on the ground. The species is an avid digger and will dig large burrows or take over an already existing burrow, where they spend a sizable portion of their time.



Its prey consists of almost anything that it can overpower. This includes fish, crabs, small birds, rodents, insects and even other monitors. Argus monitors have great senses, with smell being the most acute. Like all monitors, the Argus has a forked tongue and a vomeronasal organ in the roof of its mouth. It uses this organ in the same manner as snakes do and can often be seen flicking their tongues in search of a meal.

Fun Facts

The Argus monitor is also known as the Yellow-Spotted monitor due to the beautiful and distinguishing yellow spots on their back. The Argus monitor is one of the largest species of the Varanus family.