Types Of Tegu Lizards

The Tegu Lizard Care is a large, omnivorous reptile native to South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Tegu lizards can grow up to 4 to 5 feet in length, with males generally being larger than females.

Their coloration varies by species, but they commonly display black and white, red, or golden patterns. During cooler months, they enter a state of brumation, similar to hibernation, to conserve energy.

One notable species is the Argentine Black and White Tegu, recognized for its striking black and white coloration and its adaptability to various environments. This species has even become an invasive species in some regions, such as the southern United States, where it poses a threat to local wildlife.

Tegu lizards have a unique ability to regulate their body temperature, which is somewhat unusual among reptiles. They can raise their body temperature a few degrees above the ambient temperature, particularly during the breeding season, a trait that is not commonly found in other lizards.

Species Summary

Lifespan: 15 to 20 years in captivity.
Habitat: Forests, savannas, swamps, and open fields in South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Diet: Omnivorous—fruits, vegetables, insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and occasionally carrion.
Behavior: Highly intelligent, capable of being tamed enter brumation during cooler months.
Reproduction: Breeding season typically in spring females lay clutches of 20-30 eggs.

Distinctive Features:

A robust body with strong limbs and a powerful tail
Coloration varies by species: black and white, red, or golden patterns
Notable ability to regulate body temperature above ambient levels, especially during the breeding season

Conservation Status: Not currently endangered, but some species are impacted by habitat loss and the pet trade

Types Of Tegu Lizards

Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae): Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) black and white with a checkerboard pattern on the body and tail found in forests, savannas, and semi-arid regions in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay highly adaptable, can become tame and is popular as a pet known for being invasive in some regions like the southern United States.

Red Tegu (Salvator rufescens): Around 4 to 4.5 feet (1.2 to 1.4 meters) reddish or copper-colored with some white markings native to the Chaco region of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay less common than the black and white tegu, known for its vibrant coloration and calm demeanor.

Colombian Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin): Up to 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) dark brown or black with light yellow or gold bands on the body inhabits rainforests and savannas in Colombia, Venezuela, and other parts of northern South America smaller and less commonly kept as pets, more aggressive than Argentine species.

Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin): Similar in size to the Colombian Tegu, about 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) golden or light brown with darker bands and spots found in similar regions to the Colombian Tegu sometimes considered a variant of the Colombian Tegu, known for its striking golden coloration.

Blue Tegu (Salvator merianae): Similar in size to the Argentine Black and White Tegu, up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) blue or bluish-gray with black markings inhabits similar areas to the Argentine Black and White Tegu a color morph of this species, prized for its unique coloration.

Lifespan

Tegu Lizard Care typically has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years in captivity when provided with proper care. In the wild, their lifespan may be shorter due to environmental factors and predators.

Average Tegu Size

The average size of a Tegu Lizard Care varies by species, but most adults range between 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) in length. The Argentine Black and White Tegu, one of the largest species, can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), while smaller species like the Colombian Tegu average around 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters).

Tegu Care

Tegu Lizard Care needs large enclosures. Adults require at least a 6 x 3 x 3-foot (1.8 x 0.9 x 0.9 meters) enclosure, but bigger is better, especially for larger species like the Argentine Black and White Tegu. Use a deep substrate like cypress mulch, coconut coir, or a soil-sand mix, which should retain moisture well and allow for burrowing. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C). Maintain humidity levels between 60-80% by misting the enclosure and using a humid hide.

Feed a mix of animal and plant-based foods. Juveniles need more protein, so offer insects, small rodents, and lean meats. Adults can have more fruits and vegetables. Common protein sources include insects (crickets, roaches), rodents (mice, rats), eggs, and lean meats (chicken, turkey). Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables such as berries, melons, grapes, squash, and leafy greens. Avoid citrus fruits. Dust food with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to prevent deficiencies, especially if the lizard is not getting adequate UVB exposure.

Tegu Lizard Care can be tamed with regular, gentle handling. Start slowly to build trust, as they can be skittish at first. Spend time daily with your Tegu to help it become accustomed to human interaction. While generally docile, Tegus can become aggressive if threatened. Be cautious when handling, especially during feeding time.

Enclosure Size

Adult Tegu Lizard Care requires an enclosure that is at least 6 x 3 x 3 feet (1.8 x 0.9 x 0.9 meters). However, larger enclosures are preferred, especially for more active species like the Argentine Black and White Tegu. The extra space allows for more natural behaviors, such as exploring, burrowing, and climbing, contributing to the lizard’s overall health and well-being.

What To Put In Their Habitat

Substrate: Use cypress mulch, coconut coir, or a soil-sand mix to retain moisture and support burrowing.
Heating: Provide a heat lamp or ceramic heater for a basking area with temperatures of 95-110°F (35-43°C) and ensure a cooler side with temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C).
UVB Lighting: Use a UVB bulb for 10-12 hours a day to support metabolic health.
Humidity: Include a humid hide with sphagnum moss or wet towels and regularly mist the enclosure to maintain humidity levels between 60-80%.
Water Dish: Place a large, shallow water dish for drinking and soaking.
Feeding Area: Designate a space for feeding and consider using puzzle feeders or hiding food to encourage foraging.
Temperature and Humidity Monitors: Install thermometers and hygrometers to keep track of environmental conditions.
Cleaning Supplies: Have cleaning supplies available to maintain hygiene in the enclosure.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

Cooler Side: Ensure the cooler side of the enclosure maintains temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C). This gradient allows the Tegu to move between warmer and cooler areas based on its needs.
Night-Time Temperatures: At night, temperatures can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C). Avoid letting temperatures fall too low as it can affect the Tegu’s metabolism and overall health.

Lighting

UVB Lighting: Provide UVB lighting for 10-12 hours a day to support the Tegu’s metabolic processes and prevent deficiencies. UVB light helps in calcium metabolism and prevents conditions such as metabolic bone disease.
Day/Night Cycle: Mimic natural daylight cycles with a timer for the UVB and heat lamps to ensure the Tegu gets a regular day/night rhythm, which helps regulate its biological clock.

Humidity

Humidity Levels: Aim for humidity between 60-80%. This range supports healthy skin shedding and overall hydration.
Humid Hide: Create a humid hide using sphagnum moss, wet towels, or a similar material. Place it in the enclosure to offer a moist retreat where the Tegu can help with shedding and staying hydrated.
Misting: Regularly mist the enclosure with water to maintain the desired humidity levels.

Water

Water Dish: Provide a large, shallow water dish. The dish should be big enough for the Tegu to drink from and soak in. Ensure it’s accessible and easy for the lizard to reach.
Soaking: Tegus often soak in their water dish, so it’s important to keep the water clean and fresh. Regularly change the water to prevent contamination and algae growth.
Water Quality: Use dechlorinated or filtered water to avoid potential health issues from chemicals found in tap water.

Tegu Food & Diet

Offer crickets, roaches, and worms as a primary protein source. Ensure insects are gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) before offering them. Small mice or rats can be fed occasionally, especially for growing juveniles, but make sure they are appropriately sized. Lean meats like chicken or turkey can be included, cooked, and chopped into manageable pieces. Scrambled eggs can be offered occasionally for additional protein and vitamins.

Dust their food with calcium powder regularly to support bone health and prevent metabolic bone disease. Use a vitamin D3 supplement to aid calcium absorption, especially if UVB lighting is insufficient. Provide a balanced reptile multivitamin powder occasionally to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

Potential Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Often caused by insufficient UVB exposure or calcium deficiency. Symptoms include soft or deformed bones, difficulty moving, or swelling in limbs. Ensure proper UVB lighting and calcium supplementation.
Respiratory Infections: Common signs include wheezing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing. Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, and ensure good ventilation.
Parasites: Both internal and external parasites can affect Tegus. Symptoms might include weight loss, lethargy, or visible mites on the skin.

Behavior & Temperament

Tegu Lizard Care are highly intelligent reptiles that can recognize their owners and learn simple tasks. They are often interactive and responsive to their environment. Many Tegus, especially those raised from a young age, can be quite docile and friendly, making them more tolerant of handling compared to other reptiles. Individual temperament can vary based on their upbringing and socialization.

Regular handling from a young age helps in taming Tegus, and they can become accustomed to human interaction, sometimes enjoying being petted or held. They are active lizards that require ample space to explore, including climbing, burrowing, and foraging. A stimulating environment with varied elements helps satisfy their need for physical and mental activity.

Handling Them

Begin handling your Tegu Lizard Care when it is calm and relaxed, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that might startle it. Support its entire body by placing one hand under its midsection and the other near the back legs. Avoid holding it by the tail, as this can cause stress or injury.