Specie's Page                                               South America - Argentine Black and White Tegu

Argentine Black and White Tegu:

UK Status: Non native, to the UK, but can be found in zoos, tropical houses etc.

Habitat: This giant lizard is found in South American countries including Argentina, Brazil Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay. This reptile can live and thrive in a diverse range of habitats, and is quite adaptable. They have wide ranging diet which becomes more generalized as they get older. Insects and invertibrates are the main stay for younger Tegu's, though being opportunists they will eat most smaller type creatures, as well as carrion. As they mature they will consume larger quantities of plant material, including fruit and nuts.

Breeding: Eggs are laid in large earth mounds, and are mainly incubated by ground heat and sunshine. Clutch sizes vary widely, a dozen or more eggs isn't unusual, and on one occasion twenty two were found that hadn't hatched. Young Tegu's have an emerald green stripe from it's snout, running down the neck, this stripe turns black as the animal matures. Juveniles tails are also banded with yellow, which eventually turns black.

Comment: This reptile is an invasive species, and can be found in souther parts of the USA including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Some of these sightings could be dumped, or escaped house pets.