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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Argentine Tegu (Salvator merianae & S. rufescens)

Care level: Advanced

Temperament: can be friendly and very personable if socialized from a young age

Behavior: diurnal, terrestrial, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: 8×4×4’ (2.5×1.2×1.2m)

Basking spot temp (surface): 125-135°F (52-57°C)

Cold side temp: 75-85°F (24-29°C)

Nighttime/minimum temp: 70°F (21°C)

UVB: UVI 2.9-7.4/Ferguson zone 3 (e.g. Arcadia T5HO 6% at 12-15”(30-40cm) away with no mesh or Arcadia T5HO 12% at 15-24” (40-60cm) away with typical mesh)

Humidity: 70-80%

Diet: Omnivorous; eats a wide range of plant and animal matter 

Adult size: 3-5’ (1-1.5m)

Wild Distribution: tropical rainforests, savannas, and semi-deserts of eastern/central South America

(written with contributions by mandi#6740)


Other Resources:

Reptifiles Guide – Argentine Tegu

Dubia.com Guide – Argentine Tegu