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Argentine Tegus (Tupinambis
merianae)
Argentine Tegus are found
throughout eastern
Argentina, southern Brazil
and parts of Uruguay. These
lizards can reach 4 ½ feet
in total length and are the
largest of type of Tegu.
Male Tegus are larger than
females and typically have
much larger heads and
jowls. Young male Tegus can
be sexed by the presence of
two enlarged scales at the
base of the tail. At three
years old Tegus become
sexually mature but usually
need to hibernate to
reproduce successfully.
Females can lay up to fifty
eggs and with proper
incubation they will hatch
within 150 days. If you’re
not going to breed your
Tegus it is best to keep
them separately. With
proper care you can expect
your Tegu to live 15 years
or more.
Temperature and UV Lighting
Argentine Tegus should be
maintained between 85-90
degrees with a basking spot
of 95 degrees. At night the
temperature can drop to 70
degrees. Hours of daylight
should be 12L/12D during a
24 hour period. Humidity
should also be maintained at
60-80%. If you’re planning
to hibernate your Tegu,
temperatures need to remain
between 45-60 degrees.
These lizards can handle
brief exposure to
temperatures below 40
degrees but it’s not
recommended. Tegus require
12-14 hours of UVB light for
proper health and growth.
This light causes the Tegu
to produce vitamin D3. The
vitamin D3 produced by UVB
metabolizes the calcium in
the lizards’ diet. In
general, it’s what makes a
Tegus’ bones hard and
without it they can die.
This process of inadequate
UVB and calcium is called
Metabolic Bone Disease.
Also it is very important
to change your UVB light
every 6-8 months, after this
time the light stops
producing adequate UVB. If
you’re not sure if your UV
light is still producing UVB,
bring it in and we’ll be
happy to test the light for
you.
Housing
Baby Tegus can be kept in a
29 gallon cage but they grow
quickly and will soon need
larger housing. Adult Tegus
should be kept in a cage
that is at least 6’ long by
4’ deep. Females can be
kept in smaller enclosures.
Bedding
Our recommendation for
bedding is bark or some type
of mulch. This type of
substrate holds moisture
very well, allowing a higher
humidity. Cages that are
too dry can cause
dehydration and shedding
problems. When your lizard
is shedding we recommend
that you mist the cage with
water once a day to increase
humidity. Dry shed is the
result of low humidity and
dry skin can cause the loss
of toes if it is not
removed. The bedding should
be deep enough to allow your
Tegu to dig and bury itself.
Calcium
Tegus also require a calcium
and vitamin supplement. This
supplement works with the
UVB light allowing the
lizard to receive the proper
amounts of calcium and
vitamins. This should be
used every day as babies and
reduced to 1-2 times a week
as adults. Calcium is sold
in a powder form and is
sprinkled on the crickets,
fruits, and vegetables that
you feed your Tegu. If
you’re feeding your Tegu
rodents no supplementation
is needed. You should apply
a very light coating to the
food items, being careful
not to waste any excess
powder.
Food
Argentine Tegus are
omnivorous feeding on mice,
rats, fish, snails,
hard-boiled eggs, crickets,
super worms, night crawlers,
beef heart, fruits and
vegetables. A mixed diet of
these food items, four to
five times per week, is
ideal and will ensure proper
growth and health.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month and
fresh clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Tegus can be
handled on a daily basis and
usually tame down quite
well. Never pick your Tegu
up by the tail, unlike
monitor lizards, Tegus can
loose their tail. Broken
tails do regenerate but will
never look as good as the
original. Always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.