Reptile · Teiid
Chilean dwarf tegu care guide
Callopistes maculatus
The chilean dwarf tegu is a intermediate-level teiid from Chile. Adults reach 40–50 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Also called false monitor; benefits from winter brumation.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 45°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a chilean dwarf tegu cost in Canada?
Chilean dwarf tegu quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 40–50 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Chile
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 75 cm (47 × 24 × 30 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 45°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Carnivore – roaches, crickets, occasional mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Chilean dwarf tegu enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 75 cm (47 × 24 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 45°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a chilean dwarf tegu eat?
Carnivore – roaches, crickets, occasional mice. Adults 3–4 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can become tame; fast feeding response.
Health watch: Obesity and metabolic bone disease.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a chilean dwarf tegu bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Chilean dwarf tegu FAQ
Is the chilean dwarf tegu good for beginners?
The chilean dwarf tegu is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Can become tame; fast feeding response.
What size enclosure does a chilean dwarf tegu need?
At least 120 × 60 × 75 cm (about 47 × 24 × 30 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a chilean dwarf tegu cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $1070–1890 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $350–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a chilean dwarf tegu need?
Temperature: Basking 45°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a chilean dwarf tegu eat?
Carnivore – roaches, crickets, occasional mice. Adults 3–4 times a week, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.