Tupinambis rufescens

Red Tegu ( Tupinambis rufescens )

The Red Tegu ( Tupinambis rufescens ) is within the suborder of lizards ( Lacertilia ) to the family of rail lizards ( Teiidae ).

Description

The Red Tegu reaches a length of up to 1.35 m and a weight of up to 10 kg. His reddish- black shimmering skin is covered with lighter and darker transverse bands. This reddish color was eponymous. In contrast to Goldteju ( Tupinambis teguixin ) act the Red tegus stocky and thus somewhat bizarre. He has a powerful tail, which he uses as a weapon against enemies. Some characteristics of the Teju such as the long snout and forked tongue have a relationship with the monitors suspect, but which is not given. His strong limbs end in sharp and powerful claws, which he uses for climbing and breaking of termite mounds. Depending on the area of ​​distribution it holds a hibernation of two to four months. The Red Tegu has a life expectancy of up to eleven years.

Dissemination

Its natural range extends over large parts of South America. Especially in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia, he is very widespread. It is both in the tropical rain forest as well as in savannas and open grasslands at home and most of his time on the undergrowth.

Food

The Red Tegu has a broad spectrum of what he eats. In addition to insects, amphibians and small lizards he also eats fruit. However, eggs and carrion are gladly accepted. It has been observed that it in the early morning hours is mainly due to foraging. Larger prey he packs a powerful bite, she shakes until they are dead and tears it into bite-sized pieces. If the prey animal bite, it will be swallowed whole.

Reproduction

The Red Tegu lays its eggs in termite mounds. They tear the buildings on with their claws and lay their eggs there from 5 to 30. The open space under construction is closed quickly by the termites. After 150 days, the hatchlings emerge and break the termite from the inside on. A brood care not operate the tegus.