unidentified tegu
(Genus Tupinambis)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Tegus (Tupinambis spp.)
Origin
Tupinambis spp. are native to Central and South America.
Life Cycle
Tupinambis spp. include the species T. merianae (Argentine black and white tegu), T. rufescens (red tegu), and T. teguixin (gold tegu). Tupinambis spp. are omnivorous with diets including fruits, vegetables, eggs, insects, dog or cat food, and small animals like lizards and rodents.
Distribution
Tupinambis spp. have been found in Georgia and Florida.
Control Efforts
T. merianae, T. rufescens, and T. teguixin are popular in the pet trade. Introduced T. merianae are found in Florida and Georgia due to escaped or intentionally released pets. If you have a pet you can no longer care for never release it into the wild. If you are not able to place your pet with another caring owner, contact an animal shelter, agency, or even a pet store near you.
https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/tegu-lizards/
Origin
Tupinambis spp. are native to Central and South America.
Life Cycle
Tupinambis spp. include the species T. merianae (Argentine black and white tegu), T. rufescens (red tegu), and T. teguixin (gold tegu). Tupinambis spp. are omnivorous with diets including fruits, vegetables, eggs, insects, dog or cat food, and small animals like lizards and rodents.
Distribution
Tupinambis spp. have been found in Georgia and Florida.
Control Efforts
T. merianae, T. rufescens, and T. teguixin are popular in the pet trade. Introduced T. merianae are found in Florida and Georgia due to escaped or intentionally released pets. If you have a pet you can no longer care for never release it into the wild. If you are not able to place your pet with another caring owner, contact an animal shelter, agency, or even a pet store near you.
https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/tegu-lizards/
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Suborder: Sauria |
| Family: Teiidae |
| Tupinambis |