Columbians have smooth scales whereas argentines are beaded. Most columbians have 1 loreal scale while argentines usually have two. Columbians get about 3 feet long and will stay on a carnivorous diet their whole lives, other than that care is basically the same.

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Argentine tegus also hibernate for up to 8 months of the year while the columbians do not. They may slow down a bit in their eating/activity but will not go into a deep slumber like merianae are wont to do.