Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/114013
Sarasota News Leader March 8, 2013 Page 79 and when it comes to reptiles we can do a lot than 3 feet in length; it is probably a juvenile. The adult Argentine Black and White Tegu better than that! (also called an Argentine Giant Tegu) is the Some of you will remember reading my very largest of all the Tegu species. The male can first article, published in the Aug. 23, 2012 grow up to 4.5 feet and can live some 15 to 20 issue of The Sarasota News Leader. In it, I years in the wild. This Tegu on Siesta is likely identified a reader's photo as that of an Ar- an escaped or an illegally released former pet. gentine Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis merianae), a species popular with collectors Like all reptiles and amphibians, Tegus are ecof exotic reptiles for its relatively docile be- tothermic and need to draw heat from the sun. havior. The photo was taken on south Siesta During periods of cooler temperatures, they will enter brumation (the reptilian equivalent Key. to mammalian hibernation). This is a type of The Tegu's markings are quite clear. The photo hibernation that has been described as not unhas also captured the lizard's huge, red, ex- like a state of suspended animation. In spring, ploring forked tongue. Additionally, the photo they exit brumation when temperatures rise, shows an adult snowy egret. By comparing the days have more hours of sunlight and the sizes, one can estimate the Tegu to be less barometric pressures change. A reader captured this photo of a Black and White Tegu on Siesta Key last summer. Photo by Rick W.