Șopârlele monitor și șopârlele tegu sunt un exemplu de două familii de șopârle mari care au evoluat dintr-un același strămoș, dar sunt de fapt destul de diferite unul de altul.
Both types of lizard can both make excellent pets under the right care and conditions, dar există diferențe considerabile în ceea ce privește personalitatea și cerințele de creștere de care ar trebui să fii conștient.
Differences Between Monitor and Tegu Lizards
Şopârle Tegu | Monitor Soparle |
---|---|
de exemplu. Actul argentinian, Fapta Rosie, Tegu columbian | de exemplu. Monitorul Ackie, Monitorul Savannah, Monitorul Nilului |
Generally larger in size (3.5-5 picioarele) | Generally shorter (2.5-4 picioarele) |
Mostly omnivores | Mostly carnivores |
Have large jowls and “chonky” appearance | Have long snake-like necks |
Non-venomous | Have a venomous bite |
Generally laid back and calm | Generally active and inquisitive |
Easier to care for | Harder to care for |
Physical appearance
Tegus and monitor lizards may look similar at first glance, but they are actually quite easy to tell apart.
Adults can be easily distinguished from the look of their jowls and necks, which are more prominent in tegus (în special bărbații), making them look like they have “fat cheeks”, whereas monitor lizards tend to have slim, snake-like bodies with long necks.
Argentine tegus also tend to grow quite large in size compared to your average house monitor, although in the wild you will find species of monitor lizards which are twice as big as tegus.
Personality traits
Both tegus and monitor lizards are extremely smart and intelligent reptiles that are able to recognize their caregivers, respond to training and like to engage in playful activities.
Tegus are generally considered more docile and “puppy-like”, while monitors can be a bit more “wild”.
The latter species also takes its name from their naturally inquisitive nature, as they are extremely curious and have a tendency to stand on their legs and “monitor” their surroundings.
Dietă
When it comes to diet, there a considerable differences in feeding habits between tegus and monitors.
Most monitor species (as well as Colombian tegus) are prevalently carnivore, wich means they mostly feed on insects, ouă și animale mici, cum ar fi rozătoarele.
În sălbăticie, some species of monitor lizards can even attack and prey on large animals such as deers and buffalos.
The Argentine tegu, pe de altă parte, follows a omnivorous diet comprising meats, ouă, fructe si legume.
Their feeding is a lot more varied and they have more of a scavenger than predatory behaviour, meaning they will eat just about anything you toss at them.
Safety issues
Per total, monitor lizards are more dangerous than tegus dintr-o varietate de motive.
First of all, their bite is venomous, although their venom is not fatal to humans. Unlike the vicious Komodo dragon, monitor lizards species which commonly kept as pets are very unlikely to seriously hurt a person.
There is only one documented case of a Nile monitor owner who was potentially killed and eaten by his pets (although it is more likely that the lizards started feeding on him after he died due to natural causes).
On the other hand, tegu lizards are considered very docile and rarely ever attack a human.
Their bite is stronger than that of a monitor’s, but does not contain any venom, and because of their size it can be compared to the bite of a medium-sized dog.
Neither tegus nor monitors should be kept together with other medium-sized pets such as cats and dogs unless under close supervision, and you should never let your lizard near your hamster, bird or any small pet they may see as a natural prey.
Tegu or Monitor lizard as a pet?
Both tegus and monitor lizards can make for very rewarding pets to keep, but neither is easy to care for and they have very specific care requirements you need to look out for.
If you are looking to adopt a big lizard, prepare for the fact that they can live for up to 20 years and will need lots of room, food and entertainment.
Per total, Argentine tegus (salvatorul Mariei) și Red era ocupat (roşind salvator) are the two species which are considered easier to keep in captivity and better suited for beginners.
Tegus can grow quite large in size which means they require a lot of room, dar în afară de asta, they are generally cheaper than monitors and easier to feed,
This is thanks to their varied diet, lower protein requirements, and the fact that they can eat “human” food as adults (de exemplu. raw chicken, peşte, ouă) which you may have easier access to.
Monitor lizards on the other hand, are less popular as pets and their husbandry requirements are still largely misunderstood.
This means that it’s much harder to find exact guides on how to care for them, and many owners are still left to guess what’s best for their pets.
The taming process is also much longer and more difficult, and may never actually work.
This is why caring for monitor lizards can be challenging and is only recommended to experienced reptile keepers.
Tegu vs Monitor Lizard FAQs
Are tegus a species of monitor lizards?
Tegus are not a type of monitor lizard. While tegus and monitor lizards share a common ancestry and belong to the same scientific order, they are not considered the same species.
Tegus belong to the family Teiidae, while monitor lizards belong to the family Varanidae.
They do, in orice caz, share many similarities in terms of behavior and appearance, and both can make excellent pets for the right owner.
What are physical differences between tegus and monitor lizards?
The physical differences between tegus and monitor lizards can be quite significant.
Tegus are generally larger in size, with more prominent jowls and a “chonky” appearance. They are mostly omnivores and have a non-venomous bite. In contrast, monitor lizards are generally shorter with a long, snake-like neck.
They are mostly carnivores and have a venomous bite. While both species are intelligent and engaging pets, they have different personalities and care requirements, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you.
Are tegus or monitor lizards easier to care for?
Tegus are generally considered easier to care for than monitor lizards, although both species require specific care requirements that should not be taken lightly.
Tegus have a more varied diet and lower protein requirements, making them easier to feed, while monitor lizards require more specific food and supplements to maintain their health.
Tegus are also generally more docile and easier to tame, while monitor lizards can be more challenging and require more experience to keep.
Both species require a lot of space, enrichment, and specialized equipment to thrive, so it’s important to do your research and be prepared before deciding to adopt a big lizard.
What are the pros and cons of tegus vs monitor lizards as pets?
The decision to adopt a tegu or a monitor lizard as a pet should be based on your experience level, lifestyle, and expectations as an owner.
Tegus are generally considered easier to care for, more docile and social, and have a more varied diet.
They are also generally cheaper to purchase and have a wider availability in the pet trade.
Monitorul șopârlelor, pe de altă parte, can be more challenging but also more rewarding for experienced owners.
They are generally more active and inquisitive, and have a more unique appearance and behavior.
in orice caz, they require more specific care requirements, more space, and a higher level of commitment.
It’s important to remember that both tegus and monitor lizards can live for up to 20 ani, so adopting one as a pet is a long-term commitment that should not be taken lightly.
Un act & Monitor Lizard for Sale
PetsWithScales.com este un site web informativ despre îngrijirea animalelor de companie mari șopârle. Colectăm și oferim informații din diferite surse de pe web despre cum să păstrăm și să îngrijim reptilele ca animale de companie. Speciile cu care ne ocupăm în principal sunt tegus, șopârle monitor, scinci și gecoși. Scopul nostru este de a oferi informații de înaltă calitate pentru a ajuta proprietarii de animale de companie să se îmbunătățească, decizii mai informate cu privire la dieta animalelor lor, sanatate si viata.