Salvator merianae, commonly known as the Argentine black and white tegu, is a large lizard native to South America. It thrives in diverse habitats, from rainforests to savannas. Notable for its intelligence, tegus are known to exhibit social behaviors and can recognize their human caretakers.

Salvator merianae, commonly known as the Argentine black and white tegu, is native to South America. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

This species typically inhabits savannas, semi-deserts, tropical rainforests, and open fields. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and access to water sources. The climate in these regions is usually humid and warm, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Salvator merianae occupies a diverse ecological niche. It is a terrestrial lizard that is both a predator and scavenger. Its diet consists of insects, fruits, small mammals, eggs, and carrion, which allows it to adapt to various environmental conditions. The tegu is also known for its ability to dig burrows, providing shelter and temperature regulation.