Common Name: Argentine Black and White Tegu
Scientific Name: Tupinambis merianae
Type: Lizard
Diet: Omnivore
Size: Average grow up to 121cm
Average Lifespan: 15 - 20 years
Origin: Eastern Argentina
Conservation Status: Least concern
Physical Description
Argentine black and white tegus are large lizards that can reach a length of nearly 150cm.
They have a mottled black and white coloration that is mostly grouped around the back and tail into a banding pattern.
Hatchlings show identical markings, but have bright green heads in general.
After they hit around one month of age, the green colouration disappears.
Habitat
Freshwater habitat such as flooded marshes.
Did You Know?
Black and white tegu is the Largest of Tegu species.
These tegu are common as pets because they have exceptionally high intelligence and can be house-broken as well.
A tegu can drop a part of its tail if attacked as a distraction. The tail is often used to swipe at an aggressor as a weapon.
Black and white tegus are great swimmers who can remain for long periods of time underwater.
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