Adult Size: The adult Tegus lizard can grow to be slightly longer than 40 inches in length. And a weight of up to 5 pounds.

Tegus Appearance: There are many types of Tegu, including Blue, Albino Blue, Black & White, Gold, and Red. The Argentine Black and White Tegu can grow as large as 5 1/2 feet in length. Male Tegu develop jowls as they get older, and are also much larger and heavier than the females.

Tegus Diet: In the wild, Tegu lizards are omnivorious, meaning they eat both animal and plant matter. However, in captivity, Tegus can eat a variety of foods, including meats, mice, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Younger Tegu can be fed insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, etc. Vitamin supplements and Calcium are highly recommended.

Ease of Care: The Tegus lizard can make a wonderful pet. On the other hand, because the lizard can grow so large, it can do sever damage to a careless petkeeper. Adequate time must be spent with the Tegu during its first year, making the Tegu a docile adult. Bowl feeding is recommended as hand feeding eliminates the association of hands with food. With proper care Tegus lizards can live from 10-15 years.

Housing in Captivity: Tegus lizards require a heating gradient in their cage ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking zone of 100 degrees. The size of the enclosure will vary as the Tegus size varies. For full grown adults, the enclosure should be custom built. Tegus lizards require both UV-A and UV-B lighting to ensure proper absorption of calcium.

Sleeping Habits: Tegus Lizards sleep often, they also hibernate about 5 months per year.

Temperament: Tegus lizards make very nice pets, assuming the caretaker takes the appropriate amount of time to tame the Tegu.

Tegus Breeding: Tegus lizards are rarely bred in captivity. Natural breeding, in the wild, occurs during the fall. Tegu females will dig a burrow and lay 4-6 eggs. The newly born hatchlings are about five inches long, and coloring of greenish grey with dark spots. They take on their adult colors after about four weeks.