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Argentine Tegu

(Tupinambis merianae)

 

Category: Reptiles

 

 

This is an omnivorous, terrestrial lizard that is native to the tropical rainforests, savannas and semi-deserts of east and central South America. They are a large, sturdy lizard, reaching lengths of 3-4.5 feet, known for their intelligence and ability to bond with human handlers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_black_and_white_tegu

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1796&aid=3599

http://www.petsource.org/reptile-by-species/5361-black-and-white-tegu.html

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Teiidae
Genus - Salvator
Species - S. merianae

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

The Tongue-tastic Chameleon

The Chameleon is known for its ability to change colors, but that is not the only amazing feature they possess. Chameleon tongues are twice the length of their bodies (can you imagine having a 10-12 foot long tongue?) and they use it for hunting! When it sees a tasty bug, the chameleon coils the muscles in its tongue in much the same way a hunter tightens the string on their bow, then the tongue shoots out, striking with incredible speed, sticking to the hapless insect as it is dragged back to the chameleon’s mouth. And believe it or not, smaller chamelons are sometimes even stronger and faster than their larger cousins: the tiny Rhampholeon spinosus’s tongue accelerates at a rate equivalent to your car going from 0-60 miles per hour in 1/100 of a second, and it rarely misses its target!

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