HAVE YOU SEEN 
ARGENTINE BLACK AND WHITE TEGUS? 
 
Tegus have been reported in the wild in Toombs and Tattnall counties. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is assessing the situation with these nonnative lizards. By reporting tegu sightings to DNR, you help biologists document occurrences and determine the best response. 
 
Adult tegu (Dustin Smith) 
 
Adult Argentine black and white tegu (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) 
 
Juvenile tegus (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) 
 
Argentine black and white tegus are an invasive species and pose threats to birds, small mammals and reptiles, and insects in Georgia. They also eat fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and the eggs of chickens, ground-nesting birds and other reptiles, including alligators and gopher tortoises, Georgia's state reptile. Tegus will eat young gopher tortoises. 
 
Learn more: www.georgiawildlife.com/tegus 
 
 Identify Argentine Black and White Tegus 
 
Large, fast-moving terrestrial lizard, typically found on the ground Black to dark gray with white speckled bands across the back and tail Can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds Active during the day Hatchlings have green heads that fade by about 1 month of age 
 
DNR's John Jensen checks a tegu trapped in Toombs County. (Georgia DNR) 
 
Tegus at a Glance 
 
Native to South America. The Argentine black Native reptiles tegus may be confused with: 
 
and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is native to 
 
Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. 
 
Terrestrial lizards rarely found more than a few 
 
feet off the ground, but they are also strong 
 
swimmers and can stay submerged for an 
 
extended time. Argentine black and white tegus 
 
occupy savannas and disturbed habitats, such as 
 
forest clearings, fence rows and roadsides. They 
 
American alligators (juveniles), a protected species. (Dirk J. Stevenson) 
 
Adult broadhead skinks (Giff Beaton) 
 
winter in burrows or under cover. 
 
Popular in the pet trade. In the wild, as adults they have few predators and can reproduce quickly. 
 
Reproductive-age females lay about 35 eggs a year. 
 
Not considered aggressive but will defend themselves if threatened or harassed. These reptiles can 
 
react fast, and have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws. 
 
Legal in Georgia to own as pets, but it is illegal to release any animal into the wild. 
 
Not protected by Georgia wildlife laws or regulations, although local ordinances may apply. 
 
YOU CAN HELP! Report tegus in the wild to Georgia DNR 
 
Take a photo 
 
Note the location 
 
- Online at www.gainvasives.org/tegus - By phone to (478) 994-1438 - By email to gainvasives@dnr.ga.gov 
 
Report the sighting 
 
Sources include: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida