Tegus may be more cold tolerant than other reptile species and more likely to spread throughout the state. There are concerns, as well, that tegus could spread exotic parasites to native wildlife and cause bacterial contamination of crops. Research shows that these reptiles, like most, carry salmonella.[1]
Where Do Argentine Black And White Tegus Live
The Argentine black and white tegu is native to South America where it can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Uruguay and northern Argentina.[2]
What Part Of Argentina Are Tegus From?
Argentine Tegus are native lizards to eastern and central South America. They are a product of convergent evolution and live in tropical rainforests, deserts and savannas.[3]
Where Are Tegus Found In The Us?
There are at least three established populations of tegus in southern Florida and one in Georgia, all likely resulting from escaped or released pets. The Argentine black and white tegu is a large omnivorous lizard native to South America and is common in the international pet trade.[4]
How Big Does A Black And White Tegu Get?
Adult males are much larger than the females and can reach 3 feet (91 cm) in length at maturity. They may continue to grow to lengths of 4–4.5 feet (120–140 cm). The females are much smaller, but may grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) in length from nose to tail. They have beaded skin and stripes running down their bodies.[5]
How Long Do Argentine Black And White Tegus Live?
The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), largest of all tegu species, is native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Black to dark gray with white speckled bands across the back and tail, these reptiles can weigh 10 pounds or more and live 20 years.[6]
Where Are Black And White Tegus From
Native Range
The Argentine black and white tegu is native to South America where it can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Uruguay and northern Argentina.[7]
Where Are Tegus Originally From?
Tegu is a common name of a number of species of lizards that belong to the families Teiidae and Gymnophthalmidae. Tegus are native to Central and South America. They occupy a variety of habitats and are known for their large size and predatory habits.[8]
Where Are Tegus Found In The Us?
There are at least three established populations of tegus in southern Florida and one in Georgia, all likely resulting from escaped or released pets. The Argentine black and white tegu is a large omnivorous lizard native to South America and is common in the international pet trade.[9]
How Did The Black And White Tegu Get To Florida?
The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae, formerly Tupinambis merianae; Harvey et al. 2012) was introduced to Florida through the pet trade and has established breeding populations in Hillsborough County (central Florida) and Miami-Dade County (south Florida).[10]
Where Are Black And White Tegus Invasive?
There are currently breeding populations in South Florida around the Everglades and Miami/Dade area as well as in Hillsborough County around the Tampa area. The tegu’s diet includes fruits, eggs, insects, and small animals such as lizards and rodents.[11]
How Big Do Argentine Black And White Tegus Get
Description. Argentine black and white tegus are large lizards that can reach nearly five feet in length. They have a mottled black and white coloration that often is arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads.[12]
How Long Does It Take For An Argentine Tegu To Reach Full Size?
Argentine tegus grow fast and get pretty big. We recommend starting out a baby tegu in at least a 36′ x 18′ tank. Exo Terra’s Large or Zilla’s 40 breeder critter cage both work well. In just 3 years, they can reach an adult size of a hefty 4 feet for males and somewhat smaller for females.[13]
Are Argentine Black And White Tegus Good Pets?
Tegus are incredibly intelligent and curious lizards that can be tamed and trained with regular handling and interaction. Argentine tegus are known to have ‘dog-like’ qualities in that they are very loyal and seek companionship. Always be gentle, calm and talk softly so you do not accidentally frighten your pet.[14]
How Fast Do Black And White Tegus Grow?
Tegus are fast growing lizards, often reaching sexual maturity in 3 years or less. Males grow larger, sometimes exceeding 4 feet in total length with a thick, muscular build. Females are slightly smaller, usually in the 3 foot range, and are more slightly built than their male counterparts.[15]
How Big Of An Enclosure Do Black And White Tegus Need?
Because they grow rather quickly when young, babies and juveniles should be housed in a 40 gallon enclosure minimum (20-30 for hatchlings). Adults need a minimum enclosure size of 6 ft. by 4 ft., and bigger is always better for intelligent and active animals like tegus.[16]
What Do You Need To Hunt Tegus In Florida
Like all nonnative reptile species, tegus are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission. This species can be captured and humanely killed year-round and without a permit or hunting license on 25 public lands in south Florida.[17]
How Do I Get A Permit For A Tegu In Florida?
To qualify for this permit, applicants must have had a valid ESC license on June 30, 2020 and must have documented possession or planned possession of tegus and/or green iguanas on their 2018 or 2019 ESC license application. Sellers must meet increased caging and biosecurity requirements for these species.[18]
Do You Need A License To Own A Tegu In Florida?
If you have a pet iguana or tegu, you’ll need to apply for a no-cost permit and microchip the scaly critter before it becomes illegal to own one in Florida. The set of new rules approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in February will take effect Thursday.[19]
Can I Still Buy Tegu In Florida?
People in possession of green iguanas or tegus as personal pets in Florida prior to April 29, 2021 may apply for a free Prohibited Species for Personal Use permit to maintain that pet for the life of the animal. Only animals possessed prior to April 29, 2021 are eligible to be permitted for personal possession.[20]
Can You Eat Tegu Lizard?
Species of tegu (Tupinambis) are the largest lizards in South America. Large numbers of these lizards are hunted; there is a vigorous trade in their skins and the meat is consumed by rural and native peoples.[21]
How Are Tegus Made
Argentine Black and White Tegu – FWCmyfwc.com › wildlifehabitats › profiles › reptiles › argentine-black-and-w…[22]
Where Do Tegu Come From?
Native Range
The Argentine black and white tegu is native to South America where it can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Uruguay and northern Argentina.[23]
Can Tegus Reproduce Asexually?
This lizard does not need a sperm to fertilize her eggs. They also use asexual reproduction for eggs to be created. The population grows rapidly because all the adults are basically female.[24]
How Was Tegu Introduced?
The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae, formerly Tupinambis merianae; Harvey et al. 2012) was introduced to Florida through the pet trade and has established breeding populations in Hillsborough County (central Florida) and Miami-Dade County (south Florida).[25]
How Did Tegus Become Invasive?
The Argentine black and white tegu is a large lizard from South America currently inhabiting the Florida counties of Charlotte, Hillsborough, Miami Dade and St. Lucie. Tegus are introduced to the U.S. through the pet trade and then likely released from captivity into the environment.[26]
What Are Some Laws About Tegus
Like all nonnative reptile species, tegus are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission. This species can be captured and humanely killed year-round and without a permit or hunting license on 25 public lands in south Florida.[27]
Are There Any Laws That Exist To Help Stop The Spread Of The Tegu?
Note that as a non-native species, tegus in the wild in Georgia are not protected by state wildlife laws or regulations. They can be legally trapped or killed year-round on private property with landowner permission. However, animal cruelty and local ordinances apply, as do appropriate safety precautions.[28]
Is Tegus Legal?
They are considered an invasive species in Florida but are legal to have as pets in California.[29]
Is It Illegal To Own A Tegu In Florida?
People in possession of green iguanas or tegus as personal pets in Florida prior to April 29, 2021 may apply for a free Prohibited Species for Personal Use permit to maintain that pet for the life of the animal. Only animals possessed prior to April 29, 2021 are eligible to be permitted for personal possession.[30]
Resources
[1]https://georgiawildlife.com/tegus
[2]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[3]https://www.everythingreptiles.com/argentine-tegu/
[4]https://www.usgs.gov/programs/invasive-species-program/science/science-topics/black-and-white-tegus
[5]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_black_and_white_tegu
[6]https://georgiawildlife.com/tegus
[7]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[8]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegu%23:~:text%3DTegu%2520is%2520a%2520common%2520name,large%2520size%2520and%2520predatory%2520habits.
[9]https://www.usgs.gov/programs/invasive-species-program/science/science-topics/black-and-white-tegus%23:~:text%3DThere%2520are%2520at%2520least%2520three,in%2520the%2520international%2520pet%2520trade.
[10]https://crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu/publications/factsheets/tegufactsheet.pdf
[11]https://ennds.org/black-and-white-tegu/%23:~:text%3DThere%2520are%2520currently%2520breeding%2520populations,such%2520as%2520lizards%2520and%2520rodents.
[12]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[13]https://reptilerapture.net/argentine-black-and-white-tegu-caresheet.html
[14]https://piscespets.com/blogs/news/gentle-giants-basic-tegu-care
[15]https://www.lllreptile.com/articles/119-argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[16]https://www.jabberwockreptiles.com/black-and-white-tegu-care/
[17]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[18]https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/nonnative-species/
[19]https://www.miamiherald.com/living/pets/article250975199.html
[20]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/rule-development/
[21]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19968856/
[22]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[23]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[24]http://creationwiki.org/Argentine_black_and_white_tegu
[25]https://crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu/publications/factsheets/tegufactsheet.pdf
[26]https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/new-research-verifies-invasive-tegu-lizards-adaptable-various-climates
[27]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/
[28]https://georgiawildlife.com/tegus%23:~:text%3DNote%2520that%2520as%2520a%2520non,as%2520do%2520appropriate%2520safety%2520precautions.
[29]https://www.kcra.com/article/folsom-police-find-tegu-lizard-ask-for-help-finding-its-owner/39401135%23:~:text%3DThey%2520are%2520considered%2520an%2520invasive,have%2520as%2520pets%2520in%2520California.
[30]https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/rule-development/%23:~:text%3DPeople%2520in%2520possession%2520of%2520green,be%2520permitted%2520for%2520personal%2520possession.