Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Black and White Tegus

There are at least three established populations of tegus in southern Florida and one in Georgia, all likely resulting from escaped or released pets.

The Argentine black and white tegu is a large omnivorous lizard native to South America and is common in the international pet trade. Tegus eat a variety of plants and animals but specialize in consuming eggs from bird and reptile nests. The USGS is developing and testing methods for detection and control of tegus and assessing risks to the greater Everglades ecosystem and beyond.

Filter Total Items: 4
link
Argentine black-and-white tegu (Tupinambis merianae)

A Structured Decision-Making Framework for Controlling, Monitoring, and Containment of Invasive Species through Trapping: An Application to the Argentine Black and White Tegu

USGS is applying decision analysis to identify cost-effective methods for controlling invasive species like the Argentine black and white tegu.
By
Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

A Structured Decision-Making Framework for Controlling, Monitoring, and Containment of Invasive Species through Trapping: An Application to the Argentine Black and White Tegu

USGS is applying decision analysis to identify cost-effective methods for controlling invasive species like the Argentine black and white tegu.
Learn More
link
Student Intern Alejandro Grajal-Puche holds an Argentine black and white tegu lizard.

Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

This project involves ongoing development of tools for the detection and capture of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) and Black and white tegu lizards (Salvator merianae). The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions in high-value resources such as Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, to access early detection methods of new...
By
Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Fort Collins Science Center
link

Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

This project involves ongoing development of tools for the detection and capture of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) and Black and white tegu lizards (Salvator merianae). The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions in high-value resources such as Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, to access early detection methods of new...
Learn More
link
USGS Biological Science Technician Michelle Collier holds an invasive Argentine Tegu lizard.

Invasive Species in the Everglades – An Opportunity to Engage Youth in Science

Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) and Black-and-White Tegu Lizard (Tupinambis merianae) are exerting tremendous harm on Everglades ecosystems, but these problematic species present an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation in science. Since entering into an agreement with Everglades National Park in late 2013, the Invasive Species Science Branch of the U.S...
By
Invasive Species Program, Fort Collins Science Center
link

Invasive Species in the Everglades – An Opportunity to Engage Youth in Science

Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) and Black-and-White Tegu Lizard (Tupinambis merianae) are exerting tremendous harm on Everglades ecosystems, but these problematic species present an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation in science. Since entering into an agreement with Everglades National Park in late 2013, the Invasive Species Science Branch of the U.S...
Learn More
link
Argentine black-and-white tegu (Tupinambis merianae)

Evaluation of Tegu Movements and Habitat Use in Relation to Location and Habitat

Tegus are breeding, they have a diverse diet, and they are established in areas throughout South Florida. USGS is tracking this problematic reptile species to better understand their movements and habitat use to help managers prevent dispersal into new areas.
By
Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

Evaluation of Tegu Movements and Habitat Use in Relation to Location and Habitat

Tegus are breeding, they have a diverse diet, and they are established in areas throughout South Florida. USGS is tracking this problematic reptile species to better understand their movements and habitat use to help managers prevent dispersal into new areas.
Learn More