Columbian Black and White Tegu
(Tupinambis teguixin)

Columbian tegus can be found throughout the Amazon basin and reach 3 to 3½ feet long and up to eight pounds in weight. The Columbian tegu has black and white stripes or spots with smooth scales and look similar to monitor species. While tegus look similar to monitors, they are not related and fill the same ecological niche as monitors and are an example of convergent evolution.

Difficulty

MODERATE: Because of their larger size, larger caging requirements, and specialized lighting, the Columbian tegu may not be they best choice of pet for everyone.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (50 gallons or larger, depending on the size and number of Columbian tegus kept) with a secure lid with clamps
• Custom constructed caging

Substrate, such as:

• Aspen shavings
• Sand/Soil mix
• Peat Moss
• Crushed Coconut Fiber
• Orchid Bark

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Hatchling Columbian tegus can be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium for a few months. Adult Columbian tegus will need a 50-gallon aquarium or larger sized cage if more than one Columbian tegu is kept in the enclosure. Branches and rocks are needed for climbing and to provide basking areas. A secured screen top is needed for ventilation. Do not house two adult male Columbian tegus together as they are territorial and will fight for space in the enclosure.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Columbian tegu's home, since your Columbian tegu will be spending much of its time on it. Coumbian tegus like to burrow and require something that they can dig in. Some of the most common include crushed coconut shell and orchid bark. Both of these substrates will help to maintain a higher humidity level for the Columbian tegu. Sphagnum moss can also be used to help raise the humidity to the levels to 40% to 50% that Columbian tegus require. Be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Heating and Light

Columbian tegus should have daytime temperatures of 80°F to 85°F with a 100°F to 110°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 70°F to 75°F. Columbian tegus require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. We do not recommend the use of any kind of heat rocks as they can often lead to burns on your Columbian tegu.

Diet

Columbian tegus are require a large and varied diet. Columbian tegus can be fed rodents, small insects (such as crickets, mealworms, and others), ground turkey, or even commercially prepared tegu diet. Unlike monitors, Columbian tegus do require fruits as part of their diet. As much as half the diet for adult tegus should consist of fruits. Juvenile tegus generally will require more protein than adults. A good reptile multi-vitamin is also suggested to help keep the Columbian tegu healthy. When feeding tegus it is not recommended to use your hands because they will often associate your hands with food and can become hazardous to handle. When feeding use tongs or a tray to avoid this problem.