Short answer: A big, very intelligent lizard from South America that can become dog-tame with patience, but needs room and experience. An adult female needs at least an 8 × 4 × 4 foot enclosure (males 10 × 5 × 5), a 125–135°F basking surface, a 75–85°F cool side, 70–80% humidity, and an omnivore diet 2–5 times a week by age.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Grassland & Savanna
- Home range
- Eastern and southeastern South America
- Adult size
- 3–4.5 ft
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Diet
- Omnivore: protein, vegetables, fruit
- Active
- Daytime
- Care level
- Advanced [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 96 × 48 × 48 in. Females 8 × 4 × 4 ft minimum, males 10 × 5 × 5 ft. Never house adults with young tegus. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 125–135°F [source] |
| Cool end | 75–85°F [source] |
| Night | 68–74°F [source] |
| Humidity | 70–80% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | Arcadia T5 HO Desert 12% or ReptiSun 10.0; 17–21 in; aim for UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Heat | About 100 W halogen flood bulbs for a 4 ft tall enclosure, or an infrared heat unit. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 3–4.5 ft · 15–20 years |
What to feed, and how often
Insects (dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae), whole prey (mice, rats, chicks), vegetables such as squash and carrot, some berries. [source]
| Hatchling (0–6 months) | 5 meals a week; about 90% protein, 10% vegetables |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (7–12 months) | 4 meals a week; about 90% protein, 10% vegetables |
| Subadult (1–2 years) | 3 meals a week |
| Adult (over 2 years) | 2 meals a week; about 60% protein, 30% vegetables, 10% fruit |
Supplements: Calcium and multivitamin supplements, used as the label directs.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More Argentine tegus
Argentine tegu FAQ
What size enclosure does a argentine tegu need?
At least 96 × 48 × 48 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. Females 8 × 4 × 4 ft minimum, males 10 × 5 × 5 ft. Never house adults with young tegus. [source]
What temperature does a argentine tegu need?
A basking spot of 125–135°F and 75–85°F at the cool end. At night, 68–74°F. [source]
What humidity does a argentine tegu need?
70–80%. [source]
Does a argentine tegu need UVB?
UVB is recommended. Arcadia T5 HO Desert 12% or ReptiSun 10.0 (17–21 in). Aim for a UVI of 3.0–4.0 where it basks. [source]
What do Argentine tegus eat?
Insects (dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae), whole prey (mice, rats, chicks), vegetables such as squash and carrot, some berries. Supplements: Calcium and multivitamin supplements, used as the label directs. [source]
How often should I feed a argentine tegu?
Hatchling (0–6 months): 5 meals a week; about 90% protein, 10% vegetables.Juvenile (7–12 months): 4 meals a week; about 90% protein, 10% vegetables.Subadult (1–2 years): 3 meals a week.Adult (over 2 years): 2 meals a week; about 60% protein, 30% vegetables, 10% fruit. [source]
How big do Argentine tegus get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 3–4.5 ft and live 15–20 years with good care. [source]
Where do Argentine tegus come from?
Eastern and southeastern South America. They are most active: daytime. [source]
Is a argentine tegu a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as advanced. It is better suited to experienced keepers. [source]
Neighbors in the Grassland & Savanna
GrasslandIntermediate
Ball pythonPython regius
3.6–4.5 ft15–30 yearsRodents
GrasslandBeginner
Corn snakePantherophis guttatus
3–5 ft15–20+ yearsRodents
GrasslandIntermediate
Blue-tongued skinkTiliqua scincoides
18–24 in15–20 years (35+ possible)Omnivore: insects, meat, vegetables
GrasslandIntermediate
Western hognose snakeHeterodon nasicus
14–24 in (females larger)10–20 yearsFrozen-thawed prey
GrasslandIntermediate
Sudan plated lizardBroadleysaurus major
15–20 in10–15 yearsOmnivore: insects and greens
Sources
- ReptiFiles: Tegu enclosure size
- ReptiFiles: Tegu lighting, heating and humidity
- ReptiFiles: Tegu food
- ReptiFiles: Tegu Care Guide
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.