Argentine Black and White Tegu

Salvator merianae

Animal Class: Reptile

Length: Females can be up to 3 feet from nose to tail and males can be up to 4.5 feet from nose to tail.

Weight: Females weigh 5.5 to 15 pounds and males can weigh 15-20 pounds.

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Diet: Omnivore

Habitat: Forests and open plains of eastern South America. They’re considered an invasive species in Florida.

Description: When they’re born, Argentine tegus are black and green, and turns white and black over time.

Argentine black and white tegus are one of the few species of reptiles that are partly endothermic (maintains their own metabolically favorable temperature without needing ambient heat), although like other lizards, they do go into a state of torpor known as brumation when temperatures drop.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Our Animals: KC