Tegu - Black and White

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Alternative Name

Common Tegu, Black Tegu, Colombian Black and White Tegu, Banded Tegu Scientific Name: Tupinambis teguixin

Basic Info

The Colombian Black and White Tegu grows to about three and half feet in total length. It is a fairly heavy-bodied lizard with strong limbs and a long, powerful tail that is approximately twice as long as the body (measured from snout to vent). They are black with small irregular white or yellowish spots loosely arranged in cross-bands on the back. Dorsally the Colombian Black and White Tegus' scales are very small and smooth, giving them a satiny appearance and feel. Though there is often confusion between the Argentine Black and White Tegu and the Colombian Black and White Tegu, there is a vast difference between them. The Colombian Black and White Tegu is the most commonly seen in pet stores. The best way to visually distinguish the two tegus is the fact that the Argentine Black and White Tegus have parallel white lines that are seen on the sides of the back. They also have two loreal scales (these scales can be found in between the eyes and nostrils). It is also reported that the Argentine Black and White Tegu has a better disposition than the Colombian Black and White Tegu.

Health

Though they can become somewhat docile with regular handling, particularly when raised from a juvenile, Columbian Black and White Tegus are relatively large, quick, and aggressive lizards and are not recommended for children or beginning lizard keepers. They are often voracious feeders, and even normally docile specimens may bite their keeper, if he or she smells like food. Columbian Black and White Tegus should be kept at tropical temperatures and humidity levels and should be exposed to full spectrum UV lighting for about 13 hours a day. They should be given things such as branches, logs, and rocks to climb on. Ideally, the substrate would be one in which the Tegu can dig and hide, such as orchid bark, sand, or aspen shavings. If using these types of substrate, which may accidentally be consumed with their food, it is best to feed them in a different container or observe them while they are eating to be sure they are not ingesting the substrate material. If the substrate is such that the Tegu cannot burrow, it is especially important to provide many hiding places, so the lizard will feel secure. Captive Columbian Black and White Tegus should be fed a variety of foods such as insects, rodents, boiled egg, and canned Tegu and Monitor lizard diet. Soft fruits or vegetables can be offered, but most Columbian Black and White Tegus will not eat much, if any, plant matter. Though it has been reported that some individuals really enjoy a variety of fruits. Some popular fruits include strawberries, rasberries, apples. If you choose to feed apples it is important to feed apples without seeds, since most fruit seeds are toxic to tegus. Captive Black and White Tegus have a tendency to become obese in captivity, so care should be taken to not overfeed.

Habitat

Tropical forests

Behavior

The Colombian Black and White Tegu is one of the most commonly kept Tegus and is often referred to as the Common Tegu. While not the longest or most massive of the Tegus, it is still a relatively large lizard. The Colombian Black and White Tegu should not be confused with the Argentine Black and White Tegu, also called the Giant Tegu, a closely related species that is much more rare in captivity. The Colombian Black and White Tegu is a tropical South American lizard. Though they are considered a terrestrial species, they are adept climbers and swimmers - fast and agile in the trees, on the ground, and in the water. When the Tegu is feeling threatened it will raise its body up while breathing deeply and loudly and inflating itself with air, so that it will appear larger and more threatening. It may also raise its tail off the ground in preparation to whip the attacker. The Colombian Black and White Tegu is a relatively aggressive lizard, and if its defensive displays fail, it will not hesitate to bite and whip its potential attacker.

Origin

South America

History

The Colombian Black and White Tegu ranges through much of central and eastern South America, where it inhabits tropical forests.

Common Foods

Colombian Black and White Tegus are primarily carnivorous and will feed on a variety of things, including insects, bird eggs, small birds and mammals, and amphibians; and some will occasionally eat plant material.