Fauna
Reptile · GBIF taxon 5227370

Argentine Black-and-white Tegu

Salvator merianae

Also known as Argentine Giant Tegu, Black and White Tegu, Blue Tegu, Giant Tegu

Argentine black-and-white tegus are heavy-bodied lizards famous for their high intelligence, complex burrowing habits, and temporary endothermic warmth during the spring breeding season. They forage actively during warm daylight hours, consuming everything from fruit and bird eggs to small mammals and insects. In non-native ranges across the southeastern United States, their adaptability and high reproductive rate allow them to establish persistent populations.

ReptileOmnivorousLarge Lizard
Argentine Black-and-white Tegu reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Bruno Henrique Aranda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruno Henrique Aranda · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Bird Eggs
  • Insects
  • Small Rodents
Predators
  • Pumas
  • Jaguars
  • Large Birds of Prey
ThreatsHabitat conversion, invasive species management, pet trade collection
HabitatsTropical rainforests, savannas, grasslands, semideserts
Life span12–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyTeiidae
  2. GenusSalvator
  3. SpeciesSalvator merianae
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Powerful jaws and sharp claws can cause serious injuries; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses extraordinarily strong jaw pressure and sharp teeth that cause deep puncture wounds, severe bruising, and lacerations.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a heavy-bodied lizard exceeding one meter in length with distinct black and white beaded patterning across its skin.
What to do
Maintain at least three meters of distance and never corner, reach into burrows, or attempt to handle wild individuals.
Responsible observation
  • Maintain Safe Spacing: Keep a polite distance and avoid cornering wild adults to prevent defensive displays.
  • Recognize Warning Signals: Standing high on all four legs and puffing the chest indicates distress or aggression.
  • Report Sightings: Document and report observations in non-native areas like Florida or Georgia to local wildlife agencies.
Related species
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