Description
Argentine Black & White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
The Argentine Black & White Tegu is an impressive and highly intelligent lizard, recognised for its striking black and white patterning, powerful build, and inquisitive personality. As one of the largest tegus commonly kept in captivity, this species requires plenty of space and commitment, but with regular interaction can become remarkably confident and manageable. They are a fantastic choice for experienced reptile keepers looking for a large, interactive reptile.
Habitat
Native to South America, Black & White Tegus inhabit a variety of environments including forests, grasslands, and savannahs. They require a large, secure enclosure with opportunities for digging, exploring, and basking.
- Enclosure: Very large, secure vivarium or dedicated enclosure – adults require considerable floor space
- Basking Temperature: Around 40–45°C
- Cool Side: Around 24–27°C
- Humidity: Moderate to high, around 60–80%
- Lighting: High-quality UVB lighting is essential
- Decor: Large hides, logs, rocks, sturdy branches, and deep digging areas provide important enrichment
- A large bowl of fresh water should always be available
Feeding
Black & White Tegus are omnivorous and require a varied, balanced diet.
- Diet: Appropriately sized insects, eggs, lean meats, whole prey items, suitable fruits and vegetables
- Juveniles: Require a higher proportion of insects and animal-based foods while growing
- Adults: Benefit from a varied omnivorous diet containing both animal and plant-based foods
- Calcium and vitamin supplementation should be provided as appropriate
Avoid overfeeding, particularly as the animal reaches adulthood.
General Care
Tegus are highly intelligent reptiles and benefit greatly from enrichment and regular positive interaction with their keeper.
- Temperament: Curious, intelligent, and often becomes very confident with regular interaction
- Handling: Can become an excellent handling reptile, although their size and strength require a confident keeper
- Adult Size: Commonly around 3–4.5ft, with males generally becoming larger and heavier than females
- Lifespan: Around 15–20 years with proper care
- Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning, strong heating and UVB, environmental enrichment, and plenty of space
Why Choose a Black & White Tegu?
- Highly intelligent and interactive
- Impressive adult size and striking black and white colouration
- Can become remarkably tame with regular, patient interaction
- Fascinating feeding, digging, exploring, and basking behaviours
- A rewarding species for experienced reptile keepers
With its impressive size, intelligence, and engaging personality, the Argentine Black & White Tegu is an incredible reptile for an experienced keeper who can provide the space, equipment, and long-term commitment this species deserves.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery from £15 - £30
- Range 0-25 miles from store
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DX Express: 1 working day, same-day dispatch before noon 0-75kg
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days 75-500kg
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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