🦎 General Info

Red Tegus (Salvator rufescens) are large, intelligent, and highly interactive lizards native to Argentina, Paraguay, and surrounding regions in South America. They are closely related to the more common Argentine black and white tegu, but distinguished by their rich reddish or orange coloration, especially in mature males.

Red tegus are highly intelligent, capable of recognizing their keepers, and can become extremely tame with consistent care. Adults typically reach 3.5–4.5 feet, with males being larger, more muscular, and more brightly colored than females.

They are active, strong diggers, and require large enclosures, proper humidity, and an omnivorous diet. With optimal care, red tegus can live 15–20+ years in captivity.

1. Enclosure

Size:

Red tegus are large, powerful lizards that need ample space:

  • Juveniles: 40–75 gallon

  • Subadults: 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft

  • Adults: Minimum 6 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft

  • Ideal adult enclosure: 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft or larger

More space is always beneficial, especially for enrichment and exercise.

Material:

  • PVC enclosures are ideal (hold heat/humidity, lightweight)

  • Custom wooden or HDPE builds also work well

  • Must have excellent ventilation and secure doors—tegus are strong and curious

Substrate:

Deep, moisture-holding substrates are essential due to their burrowing nature.

Best options:

  • Cypress mulch

  • Coconut husk

  • Reptichip

  • Organic topsoil/sand mix

  • Bioactive setups work very well for adult tegus

Aim for 6–12 inches of depth to allow natural digging.

Décor:

  • Large hides on both cool and warm sides

  • Thick logs or branches

  • Flat stones under the basking area

  • Plants (live or artificial)

  • Burrows or tunnels

  • Plenty of floor space for roaming

2. Temperature & Lighting

Basking Spot:

115–125°F

Ambient Temperature:

80–90°F

Cool Side:

75–80°F

Night Temperature:

70–75°F
(Do not let temps drop below 70°F.)

Lighting:

  • High-quality UVB is essential for proper bone health

  • Recommended: T5 HO 10–12% UVB

  • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

Day/Night Cycle:

12–14 hours of light (diurnal species)

Tegus also benefit from full-spectrum lighting that mimics natural sunlight.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity:

60–80%

Red tegus require moderate-to-high humidity to support shedding, digestion, and skin health.

Tips:

  • Deep, moist substrate

  • Misting daily or as needed

  • Large water dish that they can soak in

  • Humid hide for juveniles

Water:

  • Provide a large bowl for drinking and soaking

  • Change water daily or when dirty (tegus love to defecate in water)

4. Diet

Red tegus are omnivores, with changing dietary needs as they mature.

Juveniles:

Primarily insect-heavy diet with some fruits

Adults:

Balanced mix of:

  • Protein (50–60%)

  • Fruits (10–20%)

  • Vegetables (10–20%)

Protein Options:

  • Dubia roaches

  • Crickets

  • Earthworms

  • Mealworms/superworms

  • Eggs

  • Lean meats

  • Fish (no high-thiaminase species)

  • Rats/mice (occasionally—avoid overfeeding rodents)

Fruits:

  • Berries

  • Papaya

  • Mango

  • Banana

  • Figs

  • Watermelon

Vegetables (Optional but beneficial):

  • Squash

  • Greens (collard, mustard, turnip)

  • Carrots

  • Green beans

Supplements:

  • Calcium powder: 3–4x per week

  • Reptile multivitamin: 1–2x per week

Avoid sugary processed foods and excessive fatty meats.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament:

Red tegus are typically:

  • Calm

  • Intelligent

  • Food motivated

  • Capable of strong bonds with keepers

Males may be more territorial during breeding season.

Handling:

  • Start slow with target training or hand-feeding

  • Allow them to explore outside the enclosure

  • Regular interaction helps tame them

  • Always support their body—they are heavy, muscular animals

Well-socialized tegus often enjoy human interaction and may actively seek attention.

Enrichment:

  • Dig boxes

  • Scent trails

  • Rotating décor

  • Safe outdoor time in a secure pen

  • Puzzle feeders

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan:

15–20+ years with proper care

Common Health Issues:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
    Caused by calcium deficiency or lack of UVB

  • Obesity
    Red tegus love to eat—portion control is essential

  • Respiratory infections
    Usually from low temps or overly wet enclosures

  • Shedding issues
    Linked to low humidity

  • Parasites
    Watch for mites or internal parasites

Signs of Illness:

  • Wheezing or clicking sounds

  • Lethargy

  • Poor appetite

  • Swollen limbs or difficulty walking

  • Stuck shed (especially on tail and toes)

  • Weight gain or sudden weight loss

Vet Care:

Seek an experienced reptile veterinarian, especially for large lizard species.

Final Notes

Red tegus are highly intelligent, trainable, and rewarding reptiles, but they require space, commitment, and proper husbandry. With correct heat, humidity, diet, and interaction, they become gentle giants and wonderful long-term companions.