Gold Tegu
ExploreReptiles
Gold Tegu
Tupinambis teguixin
The Gold Tegu is a shiny, golden lizard that loves to bask in the sun. They are curious and enjoy playing in the leaves!
Habitat: Tropical forests
Appearance
The Gold Tegu is a large, powerfully built lizard with striking black and yellow-gold banded patterns across its body and tail. Its robust scales give it a textured appearance, distinct from smoother-skinned reptiles. The bright coloration provides camouflage in its sun-dappled habitats.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyTeiidaeGenusTupinambis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Gold Tegus are surprisingly intelligent for reptiles, even learning to recognize people!
Their long, muscular tails are important for swimming and for balancing while climbing!
These fascinating lizards often make loud hissing or huffing sounds when feeling threatened.
They can regulate their body temperature more actively than many other reptiles!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sniffer
Gold Tegu can use its forked tongue to 'taste' the air for scents, helping them find hidden prey or detect danger.
Ability
Tail Detach
Gold Tegu can detach its tail to distract predators, allowing them to escape to safety.
Ability
Ground Dweller
Gold Tegu can dig burrows with its strong claws, providing shelter from heat, cold, and enemies.
Ability
Strong Jaws
Gold Tegu has powerful jaws and sharp teeth that help them crush insects, eggs, and small vertebrate prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-100 cm
- Weight
- 3.5-7 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-30
- Incubation
- 60-90 days
Diet & Feeding
Gold Tegus are omnivores, eating almost anything from insects and fruit to eggs and small animals.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Rodents
- Birds
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Spiders
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
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.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Common TeguTegu Lizard
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Gold Tegu?
60-100 cm
How much does Gold Tegu weigh?
3.5-7 kg
How long does Gold Tegu live?
10-15 years
How fast can Gold Tegu move?
20 km/h
What does Gold Tegu eat?
Gold Tegus are omnivores, eating almost anything from insects and fruit to eggs and small animals.
How fast can Gold Tegu swim?
5 km/h
Where is Gold Tegu usually found?
Tropical forests
How does Gold Tegu hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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