The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), also called commonly the Argentine giant tegu, the black and white tegu, and the huge tegu, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae.The species is the largest of the "tegu lizards".It is an omnivorous species which inhabits the tropical rain forests, savannas, and semi-deserts of eastern and central South America. Argentine black and white tegus have impressive defense tactics such as their tail and can run at high speeds, even on just two legs for a short time. Adult males can exceed four feet in length and females will be slightly smaller, usually around three and a half feet in length. These lizards are popular as pets because they have unusually high intelligence and can also be house-broken. Housing a tegu outdoors is far easier than housing it indoors and if you're in a climate which permits it, we strongly recommend it. Hi, all, I'm going to be purchasing a tegu at next months NARBC expo in Tinley Park and I'm wondering what the differences are between the Argentine black and white tegu and the red tegu. Argentine black and white tegus are diurnal (active during the day), so they need exposure to full-spectrum UVA, and UVB lighting like the sun provides. Characterized by unusually high level of intelligence, the Argentine Black and White Tegus are native to South America, and are the world’s largest species of tegu lizards.They make good pets, as … The Argentine black and white tegu is a large lizard native to South America. Housing. While it is true that tegus can tolerate cooler temperatures, for proper health and digestion, daytime temperatures should be between 80 and 85 degrees, with a basking spot between 100 and 110 degrees. Tegus are becoming more common in the pet trade each year. by Bert Langerwerf. Argentine Black and White tegus begin breeding here in Florida around mid March until mid April. Description. Tegu lizards are any lizard in the Teiidae family native to Central and South America. Other names include huge tegu or Argentine giant tegu. The Argentine Black and White Tegu. They are best kept alone during this period. The Argentine black and white tegu reaches a moderately large size. 1. Hatchlings are generally not longer than eight inches. Hatchling tegus will all take the same food up until about one year in age. As hatchlings, these tegus have an emerald green color from the tip of their snout to midway down their neck with black … When I add another tegu they attack it on sight. Argentine Black and White Tegu's Minimum Tank Size Dear theTegu.com Members, I MIGHT get a tegu, and am looking forward to knowing what the minimum tank size an adult tegu … Multiple species are found in the international pet trade: Salvator merianae (Argentine or giant black and white tegu, blue tegu), Salvator rufescens (red tegu), andTupinambis teguixin (Colombian black and white or gold tegu). Bert Langerwerf has seen these same actions with his animals. Description. It's not that housing a tegu indoors is difficult, but keeping them outdoors requires very little work after the initial setup. I'm primarily concerned with differences in temperament, but I'm also curious about differences in size and diet. Of these the Salvator merianae Common name (Argentine Black and White), (Giant Tegu) And the Salvator rufescens , Common name (Argentine red Tegu), (Red tegu) will change feeding habits. Outdoors. The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large South American lizard that is not native to Florida.Argentine black and white tegus have a mottled black and white coloration that often is arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. He too has stated it is better to house them separate until time for hibernation to begin. The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large South American lizard that is not native to Florida.Argentine black and white tegus have a mottled black and white coloration that often is arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. They also need a source of heat.