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Argentine Black and White Tegu
Care level 3

Atlas

Rasmus Karlström

Argentine Black and White Tegu

Salvator merianae

Overview

Key traits and size details for Argentine Black and White Tegu.

Length

1.2 m

Weight

N/A

Lifespan

10-20 yr

Large omnivorous teiid lizard native to South America and established in parts of Florida, United States.

Geography

Native and introduced range details for Argentine Black and White Tegu.

Explore the highlighted native and introduced range for this species. Hover or tap a country to inspect it on the map.

Native range
Introduced

Native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina according to the Reptile Database; introduced breeding populations occur in the United States.

Climate

24-32 C

Temperature range

32 C
24 C
0C 50C

55-80%

Humidity range

80%
55%
0% 100%
Growth

Reference size-over-age data for Argentine Black and White Tegu.

Growth Curve

Species reference size over age, built from curated catalog points rather than an individual reptile record.

Length Weight
Growth reference data not available yet

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Care Guide

Housing, feeding, and handling guidance collected in one place.

Housing

  • Provide a very large secure terrestrial enclosure with deep diggable substrate, a snug humid hide, a broad basking area and a cool retreat. House adults individually.

Lighting & Heat

  • Provide bright daytime light and measured UVB. Build a basking area large enough to heat the whole animal, with cooler space available; measure surface and air separately.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats fruit, eggs, insects and small vertebrates including reptiles and rodents.

  • Offer a varied omnivorous diet of suitable whole prey and insects with plant foods and fruit; adjust portions to age and body condition, avoiding obesity.

Handling & Health

  • Maintain suitable substrate moisture and ventilation, clean water for soaking, and gradual voluntary handling. Verify temperatures, shedding and body condition regularly.

References
Related Species
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Atlas

Rasmus Karlström

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Geography summary
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Care guide: Housing
Care guide: Lighting & Heat
Care guide: Feeding
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