Argentine Tegu
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| - | [[Image:Samson_the_Tegu.jpg|thumb|left| | + | [[Image:Samson_the_Tegu.jpg|thumb|left|Samson owned by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=9 snakewrangler]]] |
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). | ||
=== Handling === | === Handling === | ||
| - | + | Tegus are typically tolerant of handling once they are out of the enclosure. They can be territorial sometimes and may not appreciate your hand in their space. I recommend wearing a pair of heavy leather work gloves. The other tool I use is a 24" snake tong. It is made from aluminum and has a claw at one end that is closed via squeeze-handle at the other. Very useful for reaching into the cage to grab an empty food bowl. Sometimes I gently nudge the lizard with the tong the way you might tap a snake with a snake hook, just to make them aware of your presence. | |
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| + | Once they are out of the cage, follow the same logic you would with a an iguana or monitor- these lizards are capable of the same type of attacks- bites, claws, and tail-whips. I recommend gloves, long sleeves, and hand-restraining the hind legs if you have to move the animal from one enclosure to the other. | ||
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| + | Tegus are usually mild-mannered once removed from their enclosure. As natural burrowers, they have a tendency to tunnel under laundry piles or sheets/blankets and take a nap. They don't move very fast and tend to display curious and exploratory behavior. Make sure they don't crawl up into any ductwork or spaces behind appliances, and mind your dogs and cats. | ||
== Housing == | == Housing == | ||
== Feeding == | == Feeding == | ||
=== Diet === | === Diet === | ||
| - | 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. Larger sized tegus may also eat weanling and small rats, which are more nutritious than mice. |
Please note that the tegu can become "food-aggressive." They can and will associate the keeper with food. Many people will feed the tegu outside the enclosure to prevent this, but I prefer just to place the food inside the enclosure after dark. When the tegu (which is diurnal) wakes up, the food is there waiting for him. I try my best to never let the tegu see me with food. | Please note that the tegu can become "food-aggressive." They can and will associate the keeper with food. Many people will feed the tegu outside the enclosure to prevent this, but I prefer just to place the food inside the enclosure after dark. When the tegu (which is diurnal) wakes up, the food is there waiting for him. I try my best to never let the tegu see me with food. | ||
== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
| - | + | So said - this is an intelligent lizard. Unless you are prepared to bring into your home a lizard that may test you, and one that may make you think well ahead in IT'S reasoning...then a tegu is not for you. If you are ready for an interactive lizard and will appreciate it's intelligence, then an Argentine tegu may be right up your alley. | |
== References == | == References == | ||
=== Websites === | === Websites === | ||
| - | + | *[http://lllreptile.com/info/library/animal-care-sheets/lizards-and-monitors/-/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/ lllreptile - Argentine Black and White Tegu] | |
| + | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_Black_and_White_Tegu Original Wikipedia - Argentine Black and White Tegu] | ||
=== Books === | === Books === | ||
