Argentine Black and White Tegu
Encyclopedia
The Argentine black and white tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. It is also known as the Argentine giant tegu. It belongs to the teiid
family. Tegus fill ecological niche
s similar to those of monitor lizards, and are an example of convergent evolution
.
They are an omnivorous terrestrial species that inhabit the tropical rain forests of east and central South America
. Just as many other reptiles, Argentine Tegus will go into brumation (a form of hibernation) in autumn when the temperature drops. A level of intelligence unusually high for reptiles has been observed, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. It is believed that individuals of this species sometimes actively seek human attention, as would for example a cat or dog.
Some black and white tegus can be bred with the red tegu and blue tegu.
, and possibly even longer in captivity. However, as with most reptiles, if not handled regularly they will show more aggressive signs since they are less comfortable with the handler.
Teiidae
Teiidae is a family of lizards native to the Americas, generally known as whiptails. The group includes the parthenogenic genera Cnemidophorus and Aspidoscelis, and the non-parthenogenic Tupinambis. It has over 230 member species in ten genera...
family. Tegus fill ecological niche
Ecological niche
In ecology, a niche is a term describing the relational position of a species or population in its ecosystem to each other; e.g. a dolphin could potentially be in another ecological niche from one that travels in a different pod if the members of these pods utilize significantly different food...
s similar to those of monitor lizards, and are an example of convergent evolution
Convergent evolution
Convergent evolution describes the acquisition of the same biological trait in unrelated lineages.The wing is a classic example of convergent evolution in action. Although their last common ancestor did not have wings, both birds and bats do, and are capable of powered flight. The wings are...
.
They are an omnivorous terrestrial species that inhabit the tropical rain forests of east and central South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. Just as many other reptiles, Argentine Tegus will go into brumation (a form of hibernation) in autumn when the temperature drops. A level of intelligence unusually high for reptiles has been observed, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. It is believed that individuals of this species sometimes actively seek human attention, as would for example a cat or dog.
Appearance
As hatchlings they have a yellow complexion with black markings; the yellow eventually fades to white within a couple of months after shedding. Adult males are much larger than the females and can reach 3 feet in length at maturity and continue to grow to lengths of 4-4.5 feet. The females are much smaller reaching up to 3 feet in total length, from nose to tail. They have beaded skin and linear stripes running down their bodies.Some black and white tegus can be bred with the red tegu and blue tegu.
In captivity
Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. A well cared for animal will live for 15 to 20 years in the wildCaptivity (animal)
Animals that live under human care are in captivity. Captivity can be used as a generalizing term to describe the keeping of either domesticated animals or wild animals. This may include for example farms, private homes and zoos...
, and possibly even longer in captivity. However, as with most reptiles, if not handled regularly they will show more aggressive signs since they are less comfortable with the handler.