Florida has long battled the Burmese python in the Everglades, but another invasive reptile is quietly establishing itself across the state: the Argentine Black and White Tegu. Native to South America, these large lizards arrived in Florida through the pet trade and have since made themselves very much at home.
Tegus can grow up to five feet long and live as long as 20 years. They stay close to the ground but are strong swimmers, and during the winter they retreat underground into a hibernation-like state called brumation. Come spring, a single female can produce around 35 eggs — a reproduction rate that helps explain how quickly the population is spreading.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has tagged tegus as "egg eaters," and for good reason. They prey on the eggs of alligators and other native animals, and have even been documented eating gopher tortoise hatchlings. With very few natural predators to keep them in check, they've expanded well beyond the Everglades, with sightings confirmed in Hillsborough County and St. Lucie County.
The FWC has not yet produced a population estimate, but it is actively asking the public to help track the species. Anyone who spots an Argentine Black and White Tegu can report it through the free IveGot1 mobile app, by calling 1-888-483-4681, or by visiting IveGot1.org.
This report is based on coverage from NBC 6 South Florida.
