Heads up! 2-foot-long, invasive lizard from South America seen in the Midlands

South Carolina wildlife officials are on the lookout after receiving reports of a large, invasive lizard species in the Midlands.

The first black-and-white tegu lizard was documented in South Carolina by the Department of Natural Resources, the agency announced Friday. An adult female lizard measuring two and a half feet long was caught and removed from Lexington County.

Although the lizard found in Lexington was the first confirmed case, DNR said it had received reports of sightings in Lexington and Aiken counties for months.

Black-and-white tegu lizards are an invasive species native to South America, and are thought to have arrived in the southeastern U.S. via wildlife trading. They have been documented in Georgia and Florida, where they pose a threat to native species, in part because tegus are predators and can rapidly multiply — laying 35 eggs per year, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

“The introduction of any non-native species can have serious negative impacts on native wildlife. Black and white tegus are no exception,” said SCDNR herpetologist Andrew Grosse, “Tegus mature and reproduce quickly, though most concerning may be their preference for eggs and the potential impacts to our native ground-nesting birds like turkey and quail, as well as other species such as the state-endangered gopher tortoise.”

Black-and-white tegus, which are the largest tegu species, can grow up to four feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds and have a life span of about 20 years, according wildlife officials. They are omnivores, and eat plants as well as various types of eggs, pet food, small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians and birds, DNR said.

“Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws,” says the Georgia DNR website dedicated to tegus.

However, the Florida department of wildlife has not received reports of black-and-white tegus attacking pet dogs and cats.

As adults, tegus have gray, black and white coloring on their scales, while young tegus have a bright green color on their upper torsos and heads. Because they are an invasive species, tegus are not protected by South Carolina wildlife laws.

Tegu sightings should be reported to Grosse of the DNR at grossea@dnr.sc.gov. If possible, DNR asks that reports include a photo, location, and time and date the lizard was seen.

This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 11:03 AM.