Argentine black and white tegus ( Salvator merianae) are intelligent and engaging lizards native to the tropical rainforests, savannas, and semi-desert regions of Eastern and Central South America. As they become increasingly popular in the pet trade, it's essential for potential owners to understand their specific dietary needs and care requirements. This article provides a detailed guide to ensure the health and well-being of your Argentine black and white tegu.
Understanding Argentine Black and White Tegus
These tegus are the largest of the "tegu lizards," reaching lengths of up to 4.5 feet and weighing over 15 pounds, with males typically larger than females. They have distinctive black and white beaded scales, often arranged in a banding pattern across their back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings but with a greenish hue that fades as they mature. Tegus possess powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and thick claws, and their powerful tail can be used for defense.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In their natural habitat, tegus are found in rainforests, savannas, and grasslands, sometimes near human settlements. They are primarily ground dwellers but are also excellent swimmers, capable of staying underwater for extended periods. Wild tegus experience brumation, a reptile equivalent of hibernation, between September and March, during which they burrow underground, and their metabolic rate slows down. Breeding occurs shortly after they emerge from brumation.
Considerations Before Acquiring a Tegu
Before acquiring a tegu, it's crucial to consider several factors:
- Source: Purchase from reputable breeders to avoid contributing to the decline of wild populations and to ensure a less aggressive animal.
- Size and Space: Be prepared for the large size these lizards reach and the substantial space they require.
- Commitment: Understand the significant time and effort involved in providing proper daily care.
Dietary Needs of Argentine Black and White Tegus
Tegus are omnivores, requiring a varied diet of both animal and plant matter. The key to a healthy tegu is variety and balance.
Read also: Dietary Habits of Black Phoebes
Juvenile Diet
Young tegus have different dietary needs than adults. Hatchlings should be fed daily, with a strong emphasis on gut-loaded insects such as:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Giant mealworms
- Earthworms
Small amounts of cooked or boiled eggs and fish can be offered for variety. Fruits can also be introduced to their diet. Reptilinks can be introduced when the tegu is large enough.
Tegus under 2 years old should be fed 3-4 times a week with cooked or boiled egg whites, fish pieces, earthworms, dubia roaches, giant or super mealworms, crickets, and other insects should continue to be a bulk of the diet. A variety of fruit and veg can also be offered. Reptilinks are balanced and readily accepted.
Adult Diet
Adult tegus should be fed once a week, adjusting the frequency based on their body condition. Their diet should primarily consist of:
- Insects: Large insects should form the bulk of their diet.
- Low-Fat Protein: Egg whites, crayfish, and fish can be offered.
- Occasional Treats: Cooked chicken or small mice can be given as treats for enrichment and training purposes. However, these should not be a staple due to their high fat content.
Fresh fruits and healthy vegetables should be offered in moderation.
Read also: Rhino Diet Overview
Food Items to Avoid
Certain foods should be avoided or limited due to potential health risks:
- Avocado, azalea flowers/leaves, broccoli, buttercup flowers, eggplant, lettuce of any kind, marijuana or hemp leaves, onion, rosemary, sage, or spinach.
- Citrus, rhubarb, seeds, or pits.
- Tomatoes and bananas: These can cause gastrointestinal upset in some tegus.
- Raw eggs: Contain avidin, which inhibits biotin absorption. If eggs are fed, they should be cooked.
- Certain fish: Bass, catfish, goldfish, herring, mackerel, smelt, tuna, and whitefish contain thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1.
Guidelines for Feeding
- Portion Size: The portion size should be about the same size as the tegu’s skull. This is especially important with whole prey items, as tegus don’t really chew their food and can choke on oversized items.
- Thawing Frozen Prey: Frozen whole prey items must be thawed correctly in the fridge the night before feeding day. About 15-30 minutes before feeding, place the prey in a BPA-free plastic bag and submerge it in warm water until it reaches a temperature of 98-100°F.
- Gut-Loading Insects: All feeder insects should be gut-loaded for at least 24 hours before feeding to ensure they are nutritious.
- Supplementation: Dust meals with a calcium supplement and a multivitamin supplement once or twice a week to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
- Always wash fruits and vegetables before giving them to your tegu in case they have been exposed to poisonous chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.
- Variety is Key: The key to success with tegus (and most reptiles, for that matter) is to feed them as large a variety of foods as possible. The below options are just a small sample list. Fruits should be used as treats only due to their high sugar content.
Live vs. Frozen-Thawed Prey
Offering live prey can provide mental stimulation for tegus, as hunting is a biologically ingrained behavior. However, it's crucial to supervise all live prey interactions to prevent potential harm to the tegu, as live prey may fight back. Many keepers prefer frozen-thawed prey for safety reasons.
Commercial Diets and Alternative Options
Prepared reptile diets can supplement fresh food but should not be the sole source of nutrition. Dog and cat food (canned, not kibble) can also be included as part of a varied diet, avoiding formulas with artificial colors/flavors. Raw dog food diets, containing meat, bones, and organs, can be a good option. Reptilinks are also an excellent choice.
Essential Care Requirements
Providing proper care involves more than just diet.
Enclosure
- Size: Hatchlings can be housed in a 20-gallon aquarium, but adults require a custom enclosure that is at least 6-8 feet long, 3-4 feet deep, and 3 feet high.
- Security: Enclosures should be sturdy and escape-proof, with a locking door.
- Substrate: Suitable substrates include newspaper (for easy cleaning), butcher paper, aspen, or topsoil. Dig boxes filled with topsoil can provide enrichment.
- Cleanliness: Substrates should be changed completely every 2 weeks and spot-cleaned daily.
Lighting and Heating
- UVB Lighting: While not strictly required for tegus fed whole prey diets, UVB lighting (such as ReptiSun 5.0) is recommended to prevent calcium deficiencies.
- Heating: Maintain ambient temperatures of 73-85°F, with a basking site between 95-100°F. Use under-tank heaters, heat cable (outside the enclosure), heat tape, heat bulbs, ceramic heat emitters, or heat-emitting panels. Night temperatures should not drop below 72°F.
- Thermostat: Use a thermostat to regulate heat sources and maintain proper temperature gradients.
- Thermometers: Place thermometers at the cooler end, warmer end, and basking site to monitor temperatures accurately.
Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 70-80% using large water bowls, misting systems, foggers, humidifiers, or by spraying the enclosure 2-3 times a day. Moist topsoil can also help preserve humidity.
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Black Beans and Keto
Water
Provide a large water bowl, big enough for the tegu to soak its entire body comfortably. Change the water every 2-3 days and disinfect the bowl weekly.
Enrichment
Enrichment is crucial for keeping tegus entertained and active. Options include:
- Wrapping earthworms or fish in lettuce leaves.
- Modifying wiffle balls to hold roaches or fruit.
- Tree trunks, branches, and root stocks for climbing.
- Dig boxes for burrowing.
- Large soaking basins or twice-weekly soaks in a kid pool.
- Hide boxes for retreat.
Handling and Temperament
When handled regularly, tegus can become docile and even enjoy physical interaction. However, it's important to handle them gently and consistently to avoid stress. Wild-caught tegus may be more aggressive.
Recognizing and Preventing Obesity
Like other pet reptiles, tegus are prone to obesity if overfed or given too many fatty foods. Feeding appropriate portion sizes and limiting high-fat treats is essential.