Reptile Vault
Care Sheet
Generated May 18, 2026
reptilevault.com
Argentine Black and White Tegu
Salvator merianae
The Argentine black and white tegu is called the "dog of the reptile world" due to remarkable intelligence, trainability, and ability to form bonds with keepers. These impressive lizards reach 4-5 feet and require room-sized enclosures. Tegus can learn their names, come when called, and walk on harnesses. They are omnivores requiring varied diet and REQUIRE winter brumation. Properly socialized tegus are remarkable pets, but size and intelligence mean they are not for casual keepers.
Quick Facts
Care Level
intermediate
Adult Size
4-5 feet
Lifespan
15-20+ years
Diet Type
omnivore
Activity
diurnal
Temperament
docile
Group
lizard
Origin
South America
Beginner Suitability
First Reptile?no
Beginner Score5/10
⚠ Beginner Warnings
Large 4-5 ft requiring room enclosure, brumation required, banned in some states
Temperament & Handling
Temperamentdocile
Handling Toleranceexcellent
Handling Notes
Highly intelligent and trainable. Food-motivated. Can learn names.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
Basking100°F
Ambient85°F
Night75°F
Basking 100-110°F, ambient 80-90°F.
Humidity
Target Range60% – 80%
Higher humidity 60-80%.
Lighting & UVB
UVB RequiredYes — Required
Target UVI3.0-4.0
Lighting Notes
Ferguson Zone 3-4. T5 10-12% essential.
Enclosure
Minimum Size6x3x3 ft
Recommended Size8x4x4 ft or larger
Enclosure Typeterrestrial
Substrate & Environment
Substrate TypeDeep substrate for burrowing - cypress/topsoil mix.
Substrate Depth8-12 inches
Water Featureno
Water Notes
Large soaking tub. Tegus enjoy soaking.
Activity & Behavior
Activity Patterndiurnal
Social Behaviorsolitary
Cohabitation
Generally house individually. Males territorial.
Argentine Black and White Tegu
Care Sheet — Diet & Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition
Diet Typeomnivore
Feeding FrequencyDaily juveniles; 2-4x weekly adults
Diet Notes
Omnivore - rodents, eggs, ground turkey, vegetables, fruits.
💊 Supplementation Schedule
Calcium without D3 at protein feedings. Multivitamin 1-2x weekly.
✅ Recommended Foods
| Food | Category | Ca:P | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collard Greens | leafy | 9.3 | staple |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | insect | 7 | staple |
| Mulberry Leaf | leafy | 5 | staple |
| Turnip Greens | leafy | 4.5 | staple |
🚫 Foods to Avoid
| Food | Toxicity | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | ☠️ fatal | fruit |
| Fireflies | ☠️ fatal | insect |
| Foxglove | ☠️ fatal | flower |
| Garlic | ☠️ fatal | vegetable |
Argentine Black and White Tegu
Care Sheet — Health & More
Health & Critical Care
MBD, respiratory infections, obesity, parasites
Health Notes
Obesity common from overfeeding. Annual fecal exams.
Breeding
Difficultymoderate
SeasonSpring after brumation
Clutch Size15-35 eggs
Incubation60-75 days
Sexual Dimorphism
moderate
Breeding Notes
Requires 2-4 month brumation. Temperature-dependent sex.
Cost & Availability
Price Rangemoderate
Availabilitymoderate
Native Habitat
Native RegionSouth America
Habitat Typegrassland
Climate Notes
Temperate to subtropical. Cold winters trigger brumation.
Legal & Conservation
Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Legal Restrictions
Banned in Florida, Georgia, some other states.
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