Teiú-branco (Argentine Black and White Tegu)

Description:

The Argentine black and white tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. It is also known as the Argentine giant tegu. It belongs to the teiid family. Tegus fill ecological niches similar to those of monitor lizards, and are an example of convergent evolution. They are an omnivorous terrestrial species that inhabit the tropical rain forests of east and central South America. Just as many other reptiles, Argentine Tegus will go into brumation (a form of hibernation) in autumn when the temperature drops. A level of intelligence unusually high for reptiles has been observed, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. It is believed that individuals of this species sometimes actively seek human attention, as would for example a cat or dog.