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Sarah Argintine Red Tegu (Tupinambis Rufescens)
Argentine Red Tegus are similar in build and appearance as the black and White Tegus. They are native to the area of Bolivia to Paraguay to West Argentina. The word Tegu means lizard in native Argentine language. They live the southern tropical Amazon and are terrestrial. Red Tegus are usually found near water and are known to be good swimmers.
When born Red Tegus are dull in color but as they reach maturity they turn a bright red color, though the females aren’t as bright as the males. Tegus have a Jacobson’s Organ, like the snake, that gives them an extra strong scent glad by picking up chemicals in the air with the tongue and tasting them. Red Tegus are also omnivorous like Black and White Tegus and the diet consists of the same grubs and fruits. Red Tegus However need a much higher calcium diet then Black and Whites that can be provided by offering more fruits or vitamin powders on their prey. This and coloration is what separates the Red from the Black and White Tegus.
Reds can also be handled and leash trained. Temperaments are the same as well, docile for Tegus but for reptiles in general are more aggressive. For this reason you do not want to hand feed a Tegu, or any predatory reptile, as it associates your hand with food.
Tegu Statistics:
| Body length | 3-4.5 feet |
| Weight | up to 20lbs. |
| Life span | 10-15years |
| Clutch size | 10-70 eggs (average 30) |
| Gestation | 3 months |
| Status | Threatened |
