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Argus
Monitors (Varanus panoptes
horni)
Argus monitors are powerful
lizards that inhabit the
grasslands of southern New
Guinea. Argus monitors are
large lizards typically
growing 4-5 feet. These
lizards are very active and
typically chase down their
prey. One typical
characteristic of Argus
monitors is their ability to
stand upright. In our
opinion nothing is more
dinosaur like than a large
Argus tripoding to gain a
better vantage point. They
are not good climbers or
swimmers and prefer open
grasslands. Sexing is
difficult and the largest
specimens are usually males.
Temperature and UV
Lighting
Argus monitors should be
maintained between 85-90
degrees with a basking spot
of 95 degrees. At night the
temperature can drop to 75
degrees. Hours of daylight
should be 12L/12D during a
24 hour period. Humidity
should also be maintained at
60%-80%. UVB lighting
is not a must for monitors,
but is recommended. UVB
lighting enables reptiles to
metabolize calcium, by
creating Vitamin D3.
However, because their diet
consists of rodents and
other live prey, they can
usually receive enough D3
and calcium through their
diet. The bones of the prey
will provide calcium, while
the liver will provide
Vitamin D3. Also it is very
important to change your UVB
light every 6-8 months,
after this time the light
stops producing adequate
UVB. If you’re not sure if
your UV light is still
producing UVB, bring it in
and we’ll be happy to test
the light for you.
Housing
Baby Argus monitors can be
kept in a 29 gallon cage,
but they grow quickly and
will soon need larger
housing. Adult Argus
monitors should be kept in a
cage that is at least 8’
long by 4’ deep. Females
can be kept in smaller
enclosures. Extremely large
specimens may require room
sized enclosures.
Bedding
Our recommendation for
bedding is bark or coconut
bark. We also recommend a
deep layer of bedding to
allow your Argus monitor to
dig.
Calcium
A calcium and vitamin
supplement should be put on
all food that does not
contain bones. When fed
mice, rats, or fish, no
supplement is needed.
Food
Argus monitors are
opportunistic hunters and
are known to eat almost
anything. Ideal foods are;
mice, rats, crickets,
superworms, beef heart, and
hard boiled eggs. A mixed
diet of these food items
four to five times per week
is ideal and will ensure
proper growth and health.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month and
fresh clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Argus monitors can
be handled on a daily basis
but may take some time to
tame down. Always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.