Chilean dwarf tegu (Callopistes maculatus)

Short answers

Chilean dwarf tegu: How big does the enclosure need to be?

200×100×80 cm.

Chilean dwarf tegu: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 42–45 °C, at night 15–19 °C.

Chilean dwarf tegu: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Chilean dwarf tegu: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 12–18 years.

Chilean dwarf tegu: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

15–19 °C

Basking spot

42–45 °C

Humidity

35–50 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

200×100×80 cm

Substrate

Deep sand-loam they can dig in, rock structures

Feeding

Food

Insects, nestlings, egg, a little fruit

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

40–50 cm

Life expectancy

12–18 years

Origin

Chile – arid regions, semi-desert

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

A winter rest of 8–12 weeks at 12–15 °C (important)

Cohabitation

Keeping singly is safest. One male with a similarly sized female is possible, but only with ample retreats and under supervision, since both saurophagy (eating other lizards) and cannibalism are scientifically documented for the species. Two males do not work together, they fight over territory and basking spot.

Notes

A smaller, dry-living tegu with a pronounced winter rest – without it there is no breeding success. It digs readily and persistently.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Yellow-spotted dwarf tegu (Callopistes flavipunctatus) – Intermediate
• Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) – Intermediate
• Yellow tegu (Salvator dracaena) – Intermediate
• Golden tegu (Tupinambis cryptus) – Intermediate
• Golden tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) – Intermediate
• Caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis) – Expert
• Crocodile tegu (Crocodilurus amazonicus) – Expert
• Paraguay caiman lizard (Dracaena paraguayensis) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chilean dwarf tegu (Callopistes maculatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×100×80 cm), substrate (Deep sand-loam they can dig in, rock structures), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.