Argentine Black & White Tegu
Salvator merianae
🌍 Overview
The Argentine black and white tegu is one of the largest lizards in South America, with intelligence rivaling that of monitor lizards. They are notable among reptiles for having near-endothermic (warm-blooded) properties during breeding season - their body temperature rises above ambient temperatures. In the wild they are powerful, opportunistic predators; well-socialized tegus in captivity can become remarkably dog-like companions.
📋 Quick Facts
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay)
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical forest, scrubland, and grassland
Adult Size
3-5 feet (90-150 cm)
Wild Diet
Omnivore - small mammals, eggs, birds, insects, fruits, and carrion
Wild Lifespan
15-20 years
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
⚖️ Compare
Argentine Black & White Tegu
Human
Adult Size
3-5 feet (90-150 cm)
5-6 feet (150-185 cm); ~135-200 lbs
Wild Lifespan
15-20 years
~73 years (global average)
Wild Diet
Omnivore - small mammals, eggs, birds, insects, fruits, and carrion
Omnivorous - eats just about anything
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay)
Global - originated in Africa roughly 300,000 years ago
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical forest, scrubland, and grassland
Everywhere from arctic tundra to tropical megacities
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Least Concern (8+ billion and counting)
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🤓 Did You Know?
Tegus are one of the only reptiles known to have near-endothermic (warm-blooded) properties. During breeding season, their body temperature rises above ambient temperatures!
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