The gold tegu, Tupinambis teguixin (Linnaeus, 1758) sensu lato (Squamata: Teiidae): evidence for an established population in Florida

Jake R. Edwards; Jennifer K. Ketterlin; Michael R. Rochford; Rodney Irwin; Kenneth L. Krysko; James G. Duquesnel; Frank J. Mazzotti; Robert Reed

doi:10.3391/bir.2017.6.4.16

USGS · 70194266

The gold tegu, Tupinambis teguixin (Linnaeus, 1758) sensu lato (Squamata: Teiidae): evidence for an established population in Florida

Jake R. Edwards·Jennifer K. Ketterlin·Michael R. Rochford·Rodney Irwin·Kenneth L. Krysko·James G. Duquesnel·Frank J. Mazzotti·Robert Reed

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Abstract

Gold tegus, Tupinambis teguixin (Linnaeus, 1758), are generalist predators from South America and are ecologically similar to Argentine black and white tegus ( Salvator merianae ), a successful invader in Florida. We trapped gold tegus in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Florida, USA. In Miami-Dade County, collection occurred from 2008 through 2016. We combined new trapping records with previous literature records. Ten gold tegus of both sexes and multiple size classes over a nine year period indicate a reproducing population in Miami-Dade County. Tupinambis teguixin is the sixth established non-native teiid species in Florida. Additionally, we report Tupinambis teguixin from Sarasota and Lee counties, Florida, USA. Determining population status in those counties requires further study. It is critical to differentiate this species from Salvator merianae during removal efforts. The possibility of eradicating Tupinambis teguixin exists if proper identification enables reliable monitoring of the populations.

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BioInvasions Records Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 24.956180020055925° to 27.49852672279832° latitude; -82.760009765625° to -79.837646484375° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Jake R. Edwards, Jennifer K. Ketterlin, Michael R. Rochford, Rodney Irwin, Kenneth L. Krysko, James G. Duquesnel, Frank J. Mazzotti, Robert Reed. 2017. The gold tegu, Tupinambis teguixin (Linnaeus, 1758) sensu lato (Squamata: Teiidae): evidence for an established population in Florida. https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2017.6.4.16

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