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Care sheet

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu

Salvator merianae

Also known as: Argentine Giant Tegu

Teiidae · Squamata

AdvancedCITES II
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Temperament
Docile
Adult length
36–54 in
Adult weight
2500–9000 g
Lifespan (captivity)
12–20 yrs
Native range
South America — Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, central/eastern Brazil

Care guide

Overview

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu (Salvator merianae) — a large, intelligent, often dog-tame lizard that demands serious space (8x4 ft floor minimum), deep burrowing substrate, high basking heat, and strong UVB. Omnivorous: juveniles are protein-heavy, adults take insects, whole prey, eggs, and some fruit/veg. Powerful and heavy-bodied — respect the teeth and claws even on tame animals.

Environment

Climate

Cool side
75–85 °F
Warm side
90–95 °F
Basking spot
125–135 °F
Nighttime
72–77 °F
Humidity (ambient)
60–80%

Environment

UVB lighting

Required?
Yes — provide UVB
Fixture type
T5 HO
Replacement interval
Every 12 months

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation
Terrestrial
Bioactive setup
Suitable
Minimum size by life stage
  • HatchlingNot specified
  • JuvenileNot specified
  • Adult8x4x4 ft minimum for an adult (larger preferred)

Housing

Substrate

Depth
12–24 in
Safe options
topsoil + coco fiber + play sand mixcypress mulch
Avoid
pure dry sandcalci-sandcedarpine

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type
Omnivore
Feeding frequency by life stage
  • JuvenileDaily to every other day
  • Adult2-3 times per week
Supplementation

Calcium + D3 and multivitamin on insects/prey; balance whole prey vs dusted items.

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Large basin for drinking and full-body soaking.

Legal & ecology

Conservation

CITES
Appendix II
Wild populations

CITES Appendix II (listing carried from Tupinambis after the 2012 Salvator split). IUCN status not individually confirmed in our sources; commonly reported Least Concern — verify before asserting.

Citations

Sources

Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.

  1. Tegu Basic Care

    LafeberVet

    veterinary

    Temperature gradient, ~80 percent humidity, UVB 12-14h, brumation biology, omnivore diet.

    Published: 2024-08-01

  2. Tegu Lizard Care (Salvator and Tupinambis spp.)

    Tree of Life Exotics

    veterinary

    Species-level husbandry, night temp tolerance, UVB, handling and temperament.

    Published: 2023-01-01

  3. Salvator merianae — CITES species record

    CITES

    government

    Confirms current CITES entry / Appendix II listing after the Salvator split from Tupinambis.

    Published: 2012-01-01

  4. Colombian & Argentine Tegu Care Guide

    ReptiFiles

    breeder community

    8x4x4 ft min enclosure, basking 125-135F, humid hide 90-100, omnivore feeding schedule.

    Published: 2022-01-01