Argentine Giant Tegu

Tupinambis merianae

Tegus are lizards that fill the same ecological niche of the Monitor Lizards, despite not being related... or even living on the same continent.

Of all these South American lizards, the appropriately named Argentine Giant Tegu is the largest. Also referred to as the Black and White Tegu, these reptiles can reach up to 4.5ft in length, including their tails.

Argentine Giant Tegus are not picky about where they live. They are terrestrial and have a wide diet that includes both plants and animals, which means they are able to live in rainforests, grasslands, and semi-deserts alike! During the colder months they enter a sort of hibernation, moving into deep underground burrows.

Argentine Giant Tegus are considered to be very intelligent, and they are popular in captivity due to their attention-loving personality and calm demeanor.

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IUCN Status : Not Listed
Location : South America
Size : Length up to 4.5ft (1.3m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- Order : Squamata
Family : Teiidae -- Genus : Tupinambis -- Species : T. merianae
Image : Ltshears