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A question for those of you who keep tegus...

L

laughingreptile

New member
Why do male tegus have jowls? I mean, can they puff them out to look bigger do they store fat in them, what use do they have? Is it like a lions mane, does it protect them when fighting? Or is it just a way to attract females?

Thanks in advance,

~Shann
 
I notice male tegus/monitors tend to have fat deposits on their neck above the shoulders. Dunno if that's what you mean...
 
I looked for the answer on a tegu forum, and all I found was "It is jowls, or muscle.". Males also use them for courtship displays.
 
I don't think it is quite known why they have them. Male Igs have them too and the only answers I've read are really guesses. The most common things I've read is they are to make them look bigger/more intimidating and for protection when fighting. I would think that is a good possibility plus the males probably develop more muscle tone then females in case they have to fight for territory or for a mate, but that's just my guess lol.
 
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