Data sheet black and white tegu
Trade name:
Black and white tegu
Latin name:
Salvator merinae (formerly Tupinambis merianae)
Origin:
South America (Southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Northern Argentina)
Size:
between 1.5 and 1.7 meters in length
Life expectancy:
15 to 20 years
Groups vs. individual housing:
in pairs
Lining:
Fish and meat; invertebrates (crickets, beetles, spiders, snails) in young animals
difficulty level
Adoption and keeping the terrarium clean can be a bit more difficult. Susie Sun, Tupinambis merianae—Teiú, CC BY-SA 4.0
In appearance each copy looks a little different. Black spots on a white background are characteristic.
In the nature the lizards build dens in which they hibernate. For this purpose they have claws, which can also be used for climbing.
Their tongue is forked and their snout is long. The tail serves as a weapon for defense and attack. The gum-covered teeth are relatively large and sharp. Anyone bitten by the black-and-white teju can get poisoned, especially if the specimen feeds on carrion.
The hibernation lasts between four and six months. This depends on the area of distribution – in southern Brazil hibernation lasts less than in Argentina.
The lizards are among the rare endothermic reptiles – so they are warm. In autumn and winter, their body temperature is up to 10 degrees Celsius higher than the ambient temperature.
In Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, the black and white becomes Teju leather and flesh manufactured. The leather goods are perceived as exotic and expensive.
acquisition and maintenance
In the context of agriculture is kept in breeding establishments and on farms. For purchasing the lizards you may have to dig deep into your pocket, which is mainly due to the costs for the terrarium of the enclosure (a lot of space bard). A trustworthy penitentiary should be chosen.
Black and white Tejus require one adequate supply of UV radiation and want light. While the UVB radiation should ideally be 11%, the UVA radiation must be around 30%.
Terrarium requirements
The reptiles need to live in a specific environment tailored to their species. You can use a rectangular, small room (dimensions: 2 x 3 meters or larger).
The substrate should be 35 centimeters or higher and consist of cypress bark or coconut fiber. Moisture is stored in it.
Ideally, there is a temperature gradient in the terrarium. While the warm area there has a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, the cool area only reaches a temperature of 27 °C. UV lamps and warming blankets are used to generate the heat.
One high humidity is also characteristic of Teju terrariums. The floor should be sprayed with water several times a day. This way you get a humidity of up to 90%.
gender differences
Males tend to be larger than females; female specimens reach a length of one meter when fully grown, males a size of 1.4 meters.
The latter live as nomads, with the females often having difficulties with other conspecifics. In the first year of life, the males need a lot of vitamin B1 and calcium, as they fully grow within this short time.
It is very important that females have an egg-laying place in the terrarium that is easy for them to reach.
The eggs are laid under leaves. The female lays 65 eggs at a time. The lizards hatch four months after being laid.
Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) male – Flickr – berniedup, CC BY-SA 2.0
feed and nutrition
In the wild, the scaled lizard searches for a very long time to get food. In search of food, they move several kilometers away.
This results in high energy consumption. In any case, the black-and-white teju has no fixed habitat that it claims.
owner and holder of the black-and-white Tejus should pay attention to the times when it comes to feeding, since the animal’s internal clock is set by the diet.
In addition to feeding snails, spiders, and other animal products, you can give the black-and-white tegu eggs and fruits as well.
your booty the large lizard succumbs to death by shaking in the wild. Larger creatures are torn apart by the claws. The search for food usually starts early in the morning.
acclimatization and handling
For the carers and owners of the animals, the adjustment period generally relative fast and easy away. This is because black and white Tejus are curious and obedient.
They even orientate themselves on the behavior of people and observe people. Dog trainers have managed to train the animals so that they always run after their keepers. According to a publication by Sisco and Varnyard.
People who keep the reptile as a pet must approach the animal actively. The interactions themselves are not as active as in cats and dogs. However, you can touch the pet, sometimes even hug it.
Anyone who keeps the conditions in the terrarium and gives the creature a little space to move has already taken care of the most important things.
Other questions
For whom is the lizard species particularly suitable?
Adventurers and people who like to keep exotic animals and plants will be particularly satisfied with it.
Which family does the black and white teju belong to?
He belongs to the family of rail lizards. These are referred to in technical jargon as squamata. It is a true Tejus in the series of land vertebrates.
Why can a Tejus bite be poisonous?
This is because the poisonous remains of the carrion are still in the mouth.
What do I have to watch out for when feeding?
As a caretaker, you should not give the animal too much to eat at once, otherwise it will become fat.