Also known as the Argentine tegu or the huge tegu, the Black and White Tegu is the largest of the Tegu lizards.
It is an omnivore that inhabits the tropical rainforests, savannas, and semi-deserts of eastern
and central South America.
While they have a similar purpose as monitor lizards, they are only distantly related to them.
Males are much larger than females and can reach nearly 5 feet long.
They can run at high speeds and can run on 2 legs for short distances.
They can use their tail as a weapon and can also drop a section of the tail as a distraction if
attacked.
They are an invasive species in the southern United States.
They are notorious egg predators which makes them a concern near sea turtle nesting sites.
There are 2 color morphs: the Blue Tegu and the Green Tegu. Both have the same patterning as
the Black and White tegu. The Blue Tegus are not blue. They just have more of a subtle bluish or
platinum coloration as adults. The green coloration remains from juvenile coloration.