The red tegu (Salvator rufescens) is a lizard native to western Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. It is sold in the pet trade around the world due to its ease of care and relatively docile nature.
Description
As hatchlings, most red tegus display little, if any, red coloration. The red tegu grows rapidly, typically reaching maturity in two to three years. It is not uncommon for well-fed juveniles to experience growth spurts of more than an inch per week. They are typically brownish-green with black strips across their width and several broken white stripes down their length. They develop red coloration as they mature; males are usually brighter than females.[4][5] Adult females can reach 91 cm (just under 3 ft) in length. Males are significantly larger, reaching up to 140 cm (4.5 ft) and developing large jowls.
Female (center) and male (right) resting
Behavior
Skull
In the wild, red tegus are diurnal and terrestrial. Living in a temperate climate in Argentina, they brumate in the winter, burying themselves and remaining largely dormant during the coldest periods, in some areas for up to seven months. They also burrow as a matter of habit at other times of year.[6]
The red tegu is a very opportunistic feeder. Wild specimens will eat a variety of plant and animal matter: fruits, vegetables, insects, rodents, birds, and fish. Red tegus raised in captivity will often be more picky eaters, especially as juveniles, and may prefer a diet of mostly meat.
Being omnivores, red tegus will eat a diverse range of foods, with a focus on animal protein, including small to medium rodents, birds, many insects, and any dead animal they can scavenge.
Captivity
These reptiles are common in the exotic pet trade due to their mostly docile nature. Red tegus in captivity can be known to live up to 15–20years. They can be trained with clickers and are known for following their owners around the house "like a dog". MacGyver the Lizard is a famous example of one such red tegu.
References
^Cacciali, P., Carreira, S., Fitzgerald, L., Kacoliris, F., Montero, R., Pelegrin, N., Scott, N., Aparicio, J., Moravec, J. & Gonzales, L. 2021. Salvator rufescens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T44579822A44579826. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T44579822A44579826.en. Accessed on 31 August 2023.
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