== Taxonomy ==

== Taxonomy ==

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

The Argentine Tegu, or Giant Tegu, is a large lizard from South America that resembles, in some way, the monitor lizards (varanus species).  Tegus are stockier, with shorter necks and bead-like glossy skin.  Like monitors, they are also powerfully built with sharp teeth and claws.  The Argentine tegu is one of four subspecies of Tupinambis lizards, although there is much debate on whether this should be narrowed down to two species or expanded to five or six, depending on geographical distribution of the animal.  The name "tegu" means "lizard" in an Amazonian Indian language, and "Tupinambis" is actually an extinct Amazonian Indian tribe (Tupinambas).

The Argentine Tegu, or Giant Tegu, is a large lizard from South America that resembles, in some way, the monitor lizards (varanus species).  Tegus are stockier, with shorter necks and bead-like glossy skin.  Like monitors, they are also powerfully built with sharp teeth and claws.  The Argentine tegu is one of four subspecies of Tupinambis lizards, although there is much debate on whether this should be narrowed down to two species or expanded to five or six, depending on geographical distribution of the animal.  The name "tegu" means "lizard" in an Amazonian Indian language, and "Tupinambis" is actually an extinct Amazonian Indian tribe (Tupinambas).

Tegus are a major part of the reptile leather trade in Paraguay and Argentina and annual exports are valued at $20 million USD.  The U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong are major buyers of tegu leather.

Tegus are a major part of the reptile leather trade in Paraguay and Argentina and annual exports are valued at $20 million USD.  The U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong are major buyers of tegu leather.

This being said, there are also many positive aspects about their behavior.  If a tegu is aware of your presence (i.e., you did not wake him up or uncover his burrow) they are usually very good with human contact.  Again, this is animal-specific.  I have a tegu who is very social and will fall asleep in my lap or happily go for a car ride in the front seat, and one who is an absolute terror.

This being said, there are also many positive aspects about their behavior.  If a tegu is aware of your presence (i.e., you did not wake him up or uncover his burrow) they are usually very good with human contact.  Again, this is animal-specific.  I have a tegu who is very social and will fall asleep in my lap or happily go for a car ride in the front seat, and one who is an absolute terror.

15-20 years if cared for properly.

15-20 years if cared for properly.

Tegus are extremely tolerant of cooler temps, both day/night.

Tegus are extremely tolerant of cooler temps, both day/night.

Tegus require UVB.  I use PowerSun 100w lamps in their enclosures, 12 hours a day.  Photoperiods are adjusted slightly with the change of the seasons, and they will usually get 12.5-13 hours in the summer and 10-11 in the winter.

Tegus require UVB.  I use PowerSun 100w lamps in their enclosures, 12 hours a day.  Photoperiods are adjusted slightly with the change of the seasons, and they will usually get 12.5-13 hours in the summer and 10-11 in the winter.

Like monitors, tegus can become obese in captivity.  It is noted that the Argentine Tegu is an omnivore in the wild, but in my experience, they show preference for certain foods.  I have offered my tegus iguana salad, which they did eat, but not enthusiastically.  I have also tried fruits, such as mango and papaya, which they were not too keen on either.  Staple diet includes 4-6 adult mice a week, supplemented with superworms and ground turkey.  My two tegus also loved tearing into the leftover turkey from last Thanksgiving.  They are not difficult to feed, but special care must be taken to ensure that they do not become obese.

Like monitors, tegus can become obese in captivity.  It is noted that the Argentine Tegu is an omnivore in the wild, but in my experience, they show preference for certain foods.  I have offered my tegus iguana salad, which they did eat, but not enthusiastically.  I have also tried fruits, such as mango and papaya, which they were not too keen on either.  Staple diet includes 4-6 adult mice a week, supplemented with superworms and ground turkey.  My two tegus also loved tearing into the leftover turkey from last Thanksgiving.  They are not difficult to feed, but special care must be taken to ensure that they do not become obese.

Also, tegus love water.  Always make sure they have a big heavy bowl of fresh water.  They will spill it, flip it over, and excavate mulch into it, but only after they have sucked down at least half of it.

Also, tegus love water.  Always make sure they have a big heavy bowl of fresh water.  They will spill it, flip it over, and excavate mulch into it, but only after they have sucked down at least half of it.

I follow the same logic here as I do with my snakes.  Since they are eating entire rodents, supplementation is not necessary.  I do however, add Herptivite to the ground turkey once a month because they are not great about eating their veggies.  Quality UVB lighting should provide the necessary muscle for D3 production.

I follow the same logic here as I do with my snakes.  Since they are eating entire rodents, supplementation is not necessary.  I do however, add Herptivite to the ground turkey once a month because they are not great about eating their veggies.  Quality UVB lighting should provide the necessary muscle for D3 production.

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Care Guides]]

[[Category:Care Guides]]