Meet Our Residents
Burpee’s Tegus are one of the most charismatic reptiles in the museum. Intelligent, curious, and strong, it often explores its enclosure with purpose—sometimes even recognizing regular keepers. Visitors are amazed by its size and alert, almost mammal-like awareness.

Connections to the Museum
This Tegu connects Burpee’s Conservation Corridor to global discussions of reptile cognition and adaptation.  These two animals were removed from Florida where the DNR captured them.  Because of their invasive status, they would be euthanized or taken to Burpee Museum.  They have lived here since 2017 and are thriving.

Natural History & Behavior
Tegus are large, terrestrial lizards that regulate body temperature through basking and even limited metabolic heating. They hibernate during cooler months in burrows. Omnivorous and opportunistic, they are important seed dispersers in their native ecosystems.

Evolutionary Connections
Tegus belong to the Teiidae family, representing one of the most advanced reptile groups. Their partial endothermy and complex social behaviors are evolutionary experiments reminiscent of traits that later appeared in birds and mammals.

Wild Habitat & Distribution
Native to much of South America, favoring areas with both cover and open basking spaces.

Conservation & Status
Stable in native range but invasive in Florida and Georgia, where populations threaten native wildlife. Burpee’s captive Tegu is used to teach ecological balance and the unintended consequences of pet trade introductions.