Common Name: Black and White Tegu
Scientific Name: Tupinambia teguixin
Adult Size: 3' to 4.5'
Distribution: East and Central South America
May become tame with regular handling, but use caution, they can inflict a serious bite. You should separate males to avoid territorial disputes.
Housing:
An adult Black and white tegu will require at least a 40-gallon aquarium. A suitable substrate for your tegu's home includes aspen shavings and cypress mulch. Change the substrate every 3-5 days. Provide dark places for hiding and enough substrate for burrowing, they also enjoy dense foliage.
Temperature:
Black and White tegus are indigenous to tropical rain forest areas; therefore, it's crucial that they be provided a temperature range of 78-88°F during the day and in the low 70's"F to low 80's"F at night, with a basking area of 90"F. This is necessary for the tegu's metabolism and immune system to function properly. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Food:
Black and White tegus are carnivorous, which means they eat meat. Feed small rodents and beef heart. Will also eat crickets, and meal worms, also offer eggs and fruit on occasion. DO NOT LEAVE THE CRICKETS IN THE CAGE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. You should dust your tegu's food with a vitamin/mineral supplement.
Water:
Use a large, somewhat deep-water bowl for drinking and soaking. They should also be kept at moderate to high levels of humidity.
Lighting:
Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Ultraviolet light (UV) is important in the production of vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium metabolism. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light and should never be used as an enclosure top. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.