The Argus Monitor (Varanus panoptes), also known as the Yellow-Spotted Monitor, is a large, highly intelligent species native to Australia and New Guinea. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Argus Monitor is its impressive size and physical abilities. Reaching lengths of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), with some individuals growing even larger, they are agile and powerful reptiles. Their muscular build and long limbs enable them to be excellent diggers, swimmers, and climbers, making them highly adaptable to different environments. They are known for their unique 'tripod' stance, in which they rear up on their hind legs and use their tail as a third point of balance. This behavior is believed to help them gain a better view of their surroundings, particularly when hunting or scanning for predators. This ability to stand upright, combined with their remarkable speed, makes the Argus Monitor one of the most agile and physically capable monitor species.

Another interesting fact about Argus Monitors is their voracious appetite and diverse diet. In the wild, they are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a wide range of prey, including insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, amphibians, and even other reptiles. They are also known to scavenge carrion when the opportunity arises. Argus Monitors employ both active hunting strategies and ambush techniques, utilizing their keen sense of smell to track down prey. In captivity, their varied diet must be replicated to ensure proper nutrition, with a mix of whole prey items such as rodents, insects, and occasional eggs or fish. Their fast metabolism and active nature mean they require regular feeding, and their foraging behavior in search of food can be quite engaging to observe. Due to their size, intelligence, and dietary needs, they are considered advanced reptiles for keepers with experience in handling large, active species.