Owners say Tegus act as if they were a cat or dog. As the name implies, it originates in Argentina, and some parts of Brazil and Uruguay. Here’s a listing of the top 10 facts about the Argentine Black & White tegu, one of our favorite species of reptile. Tegus in the wild live in a variety of climates ranging from, the tropical rainforest to savannas. Some black and white tegus can be bred with the red tegu and blue tegu. Sometimes Argentine tegus are also called giant tegus or big-headed tegus. Since that time, our operation has expanded from a husband and wife team operating out of their home basement to one of the World's largest breeding facilities with a youthful, energetic, dedicated management team and a full time staff of animal care technicians. Popularity: Make good lizard pets because of moderate size, attractive appearance, and cat-like demeanor. Tegus get BIG and they get big FAST. The Argentine Black and White Tegu is a large lizard with the scientific name Tupinambis merianae. Argentine Black and White Tegu Care. They spend most of their time on or near the ground. They’re easier to handle at this size, and are more likely to run rather than bite or tail whip. Argentine Black & White Tegu (Tupinambis Merianae) The Argentine black and white tegu is the largest species of tegu. )Difficulty: Hard Tegus are diurnal, terrestrial lizards found throughout eastern and southeastern South America.They have also established themselves as invasive species on Fernando de Noronha Island and … Sometimes they are also called giant tegus, or big headed tegus. Argentine black and white tegus are sometimes simply called black and white tegus although this can lead to confusion as there is also a Colombian tegu (which is similar but smaller and less docile). The more you interact with them, however, the tamer your tegu will be as an adult. Argentine Tegu Care Sheet. They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat … It belongs to the teiid family. This reptile is also called commonly the Argentine giant tegu, the black and white tegu, and the huge tegu. Provide a single adult male with an enclosure that is at least 6 feet by 2 feet: 6 feet by 3 or 4 feet for pairs. The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae.The species is the largest of the “tegu lizards”. This species is known for becoming quite tame in captivity, and attaining a size of nearly four feet. Black and White Tegu Care. The best way to tame a tegu is to get it as a hatchling. Housing. Before purchasing your new pet tegu, please explore the proper Tegu Care Sheet and needs of caring for a baby tegu. They typically inhabit forest-edge savannahs and adjacent rain forests of Argentina and parts of Brazil and Uruguay. This fact should not be overlooked when you fall in love with that tiny hatchling at the pet store or reptile expo. They usually have a higher concentration of black patterning broken up with white markings. The enclosure should be secure and well ventilated. The more you interact with them, however, the tamer your tegu will be as an adult. Housing a tegu outdoors is far easier than housing it indoors and if you're in a climate which permits it, we strongly recommend it. Columbians can become quite tame but… It's not that housing a tegu indoors is difficult, but keeping them outdoors requires very little work after the initial setup. Some of the common names for this tegu are Argentine Black & White Tegu; the local name is Largato overo or iguana egg eater, the same for the Colombian tegus, or the Chacoan tegus. by Bert Langerwerf. Outdoors. Argentine Black & White Tegus are omnivores, and their diet should consist of appropriately sized insects – including crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, plus high calcium fruits. The giant black and white tegus of South America are among the most intelligent and highly adapted of all living lizards. It is also known as the Argentine giant tegu. Black and White Tegu Care Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis merianae) also known as the Argentine giant tegu. The Argentine Black and White Tegu. Distribution: Argentina, S. America **Size: 3' - 4.5' Natural History. Argentines are not to be confused with the Columbian species, though. They’re easier to handle at this size, and are more likely to run rather than bite or tail whip. Argentine tegus grow fast and get pretty big. & Colombian Tegu (Tupinambis spp. Avoid feeding them adult rodents regularly, as fur impactions could occur. Argentine tegu hatchlings are only 7-10” (17-25 cm) long, and Colombian tegu hatchlings are even smaller.