Details
Salvator merianae
The Argentine black and white tegu is a large, robust lizard with bold patterning. By day it walks the ground and eats everything from fruit to small animals.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Neotropical forest, grassland, and savanna. Edges, thickets, open feeding areas, and diggable soil for burrows are important.
Length 90-140 cm; weight 3-7 kg. A powerful body is marked in black and white, with a strong head and jaws. The long tail can be used in defense.
Diurnal and solitary, it travels actively on the ground. It shelters in burrows during rest and colder periods.
An omnivore, it eats fruit, eggs, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. Strong jaws handle tough foods.
Females lay eggs in nests built with plant material. Hatchlings grow by catching small prey and using cover.
It is listed as Least Concern. Introduced populations from the pet trade can threaten native wildlife and may require management.
