The Colombian Black Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) is a reptile in the Teiidae family of lizards. It is also known as the Gold Tegu, the Golden Tegu, the Common Tegu, and the Tiger Lizard.
The Colombian Black Tegu has a glossy body with a thick tail. It has many black and gold stripes down its body. It has short, powerful legs.
It grows to 60-100 centimetres (24-36 inches) in length.
It lives in northern and central South American countries, such as Colombia and Argentina. It prefers tropical forests.
The Colombian Black Tegu is an omnivore. It feeds on insects, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
The female lays 12-30 eggs, which hatch after about 60 days.
It lives for 12-20 years.
Location of photographs: Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM