ARGENTINE
BLACK &
WHITE TEGU
Salvator Merianae
SIZE: 92 – 140cm
WEIGHT: 2.5 – 22Kg
DIET: Insects, eggs from other reptiles and birds nests and wild fruit.
LIFE SPAN: 15 – 20 years
CONSERVATION STATUS:
DISTRIBUTION:
DID YOU KNOW?
The Black and white
tegu is the largest
species of tegu
lizard.
The Argentine black and white tegu is found in savannas and disturbed habitats such as forest clearings, roadsides and fence rows.
They are terrestrial lizards that rarely
climb more than a few feet off the ground. Tegus usually spend their
time basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature and foraging.
If attacked, Argentine black and white tegus can drop a section of
their tail as a distraction to escape from enemies.
By evolution, the tail is very strong, rough and muscular, and can be used as a weapon to swipe at an aggressor and even inflict a wound.
