Argentine Black-and-white Tegu
ExploreReptiles
Argentine Black-and-white Tegu
Salvator merianae
The Argentine Black-and-white Tegu is a large lizard with beautiful black and white patterns. They are curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings and can even be friendly with people!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Argentine Black-and-white Tegu is a large, powerful lizard featuring a striking pattern of black and white bands or spots across its body and tail. It has a robust build, strong limbs, and a pointed head, making it distinctly recognizable among South American reptiles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyTeiidaeGenusSalvator
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby tegus are sometimes greener, changing colors as they grow into striking adults!
Tegus are surprisingly smart lizards; they can even be clicker-trained like some pets!
These powerful lizards can easily raid nests for delicious bird and reptile eggs!
They enter a long winter sleep called brumation, staying safe in deep burrows for months!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Scent Tracker
Argentine Black-and-white Tegu can locate hidden food and track prey using its forked tongue to 'taste' scents in the air.
Ability
Body Thermostat
Argentine Black-and-white Tegu can raise its body temperature above the environment, even creating internal warmth like mammals.
Ability
Tail Defense
Argentine Black-and-white Tegu has a thick, muscular tail that can be used to whip predators, defending itself effectively.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 80-140 cm
- Weight
- 3-9 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Top Speed
- 18 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 2 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 20-70
- Incubation
- 60-90 days
Diet & Feeding
These smart lizards are omnivores, eating almost anything from fruits to small animals.
Age differences: Juveniles eat more insects; adults consume more fruits, eggs, and small vertebrates.
Primary Foods
- insects
- fruits
- bird eggs
- small rodents
- caiman eggs
- carrion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictor
A primary predator, especially of younger tegus and eggs.
eaten by
Puma
Puma concolor
Large cat that preys on adult tegus in their natural habitat.
eats
Passion Fruit
Passiflora edulis
Tegus enjoy eating the ripe, sweet fruit from passion fruit vines.
eats
Field Cricket
Gryllus assimilis
Young tegus eagerly hunt and consume this common cricket species.
eats
Broad-snouted Caiman
Caiman latirostris
Tegus often raid nests to eat the eggs of these caimans.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Black-and-white Tegu
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch from a distance and never try to touch a wild lizard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Argentine Black-and-white Tegu?
80-140 cm
How much does Argentine Black-and-white Tegu weigh?
3-9 kg
How long does Argentine Black-and-white Tegu live?
15-20 years
How fast can Argentine Black-and-white Tegu move?
18 km/h
What does Argentine Black-and-white Tegu eat?
These smart lizards are omnivores, eating almost anything from fruits to small animals.
How fast can Argentine Black-and-white Tegu swim?
2 km/h
Where is Argentine Black-and-white Tegu usually found?
Grasslands
How does Argentine Black-and-white Tegu hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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