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How Big Does a Argentine Black and White Tegu Get

Description

Argentine Black and White Tegu

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. The green coloration fades after they reach about one month of age.

In both its native and introduced range, the Argentine black and white tegu is found in savannas and disturbed habitats such as forest clearings, roadsides and fence rows. They are terrestrial lizards that rarely climb more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers. Tegus can tolerate marine and freshwater habitats, such as flooded marshes.

During winter months, tegus retreat into burrows while they undergo a hibernation-like period known as brumation. In south Florida, they typically begin to emerge from their burrows in February.

Tegu breeding in Florida begins in early spring. Female tegus reach reproductive maturity after their second year of brumation or when they are about 12 inches long from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. They lay an average of 35 eggs per year. Females construct nests of dried vegetation, often at the base of trees, in clumps of tall grass or in burrows. Eggs incubate for approximately 60 days and require stable temperatures for successful hatching. After hatching, juvenile tegus grow quickly. Tegus may live up to 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the FWC managing this species?

The FWC works collaboratively with external agencies and partners to assess the threat of this species and further develop management strategies. The FWC removes tegus from the environment with targeted trapping and works to capture and remove this species from the wild. The FWC and partners have removed thousands of tegus from Florida.

The FWC takes actions to reduce regulatory barriers to nonnative reptile removal and encourages their harvest from privately owned properties and FWC managed lands.

The FWC issued an Executive Order (EO-2017) allowing for take of any nonnative reptile, year-round, within25 managed landsin the FWC's South Region.

What if I own a tegu I can no longer care for?

Escaped or released pets remain a primary source of introduced species in Florida, although it is illegal to introduce nonnative species into the state. A is now required to maintain pet tegus possessed prior to the effective rule date as personal pets. Through the FWC's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, pet owners who are either unable to care for their exotic pets, such as tegus, or who no longer wish to keep them can surrender them with no questions asked and without penalties regardless of whether those pets are kept legally or illegally. The program helps reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by pet owners and fosters responsible pet ownership.

How can I be part of the solution?

  • Keep attractants such as pet food inside and be sure to cover outdoor openings and clear your yard of debris to minimize hiding and burrowing areas for tegus.
  • Don't Let It Loose! Never release exotic animals such as tegus.
  • Surrender unwanted pet tegus to the FWC's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program.
  • Report observations of tegus to FWC's Exotic Species Hotline (888-Ive-Got1).

What should I do if I see a tegu?

The FWC encourages reports of Argentine black and white tegu sightings. You can help by taking a picture, noting the location, and reporting this information using the free IveGot1 mobile app, calling 1-888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681), or by reporting online at IveGot1.org.

How Big Does a Argentine Black and White Tegu Get

Source: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/argentine-black-and-white-tegu/#:~:text=Argentine%20black%20and%20white%20tegus%20are%20large%20lizards%20that,nearly%20five%20feet%20in%20length.