Tupinambis rufescens
ExploreReptiles
Tupinambis rufescens
Tupinambis rufescens
The Red Tegu is a colorful lizard that loves to bask in the sun. With its bright red and black scales, it looks like a little dragon! They are friendly and can even recognize their owners.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Tupinambis rufescens is a large, sturdy lizard with a distinctive reddish-orange head and neck that can deepen in color with age or mood. Its body is typically patterned with darker bands or spots over a grey-brown base, sometimes extending to the tail.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyTeiidaeGenusSalvator
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A Red Tegu's incredibly strong jaws can crack open snail shells and hard eggs!
Red Tegus can recognize their human caretakers and respond to their names!
These lizards sometimes eat rotten fruit, which helps spread seeds around their habitat.
They enter a deep "brumation" sleep during colder months, similar to hibernation.
Special abilities
Ability
Expert Excavator
Tupinambis rufescens can dig extensive burrows using strong claws, providing shelter from predators and harsh weather.
Ability
Tail Whip Defense
Tupinambis rufescens has a powerful tail that helps them deter predators by delivering a painful, whip-like strike.
Ability
Temperature Boost
Tupinambis rufescens can slightly raise its body temperature, acting like a warm-blooded animal when needed.
Ability
Smart Learner
Tupinambis rufescens can learn and adapt to new situations, showing problem-solving skills in its environment.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 90-140 cm
- Weight
- 2.5-7 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-30
- Incubation
- 55-65 days
Diet & Feeding
These omnivores enjoy a varied diet of insects, fruits, eggs, and even small animals.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Fruits
- Bird eggs
- Rodents
- Small birds
- Carrion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictor
Young tegus can be prey for large snakes.
hunts
Brazilian Guinea Pig
Cavia aperea
Adult tegus prey on rodents like guinea pigs.
eaten by
Southern Caracara
Caracara plancus
Birds of prey sometimes hunt juvenile tegus.
eats
Red Imported Fire Ant
Solenopsis invicta
Tegus consume various insects, including ants.
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.
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.
Also known as
Red Tegu
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild lizards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Tupinambis rufescens?
90-140 cm
How much does Tupinambis rufescens weigh?
2.5-7 kg
How long does Tupinambis rufescens live?
15-20 years
How fast can Tupinambis rufescens move?
20 km/h
What does Tupinambis rufescens eat?
These omnivores enjoy a varied diet of insects, fruits, eggs, and even small animals.
Where is Tupinambis rufescens usually found?
Grasslands
How does Tupinambis rufescens hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Tupinambis rufescens lay?
10-30
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
