When we think of animal companions, we usually think of Dogs, Cats, or perhaps Hamsters. But what about something more unusual like a Reptile? Not small like a Gecko but something much larger and more impressive?
With their distinct red color, stocky build, and robust jowls, a Tegu or Salvator rufescens, like our special guest Luce, is known for their massive size and equally astonishing intelligence.
So let’s get to know Luce and his human, Nica, a dedicated reptile guardian who continues to put in a lot of effort to properly raise a creature who’s equal parts dragon and diva.
LUCE… AS IN LUCIFER?!
That’s right! This Lizard’s name is Luce, which is short for Lucifer.
Nica got him back in 2019 when the hit Netflix show Lucifer was making waves. “Lucifer had a red demon form,” she says, “and when I first saw Luce, he looked like a little monster. I was like — you are the demon!”
Luckily, this little red-scaled cutie isn’t a hellfire; instead, he’s more of a snuggly loaf of bread (except of course when he’s going through “guberty”, but more on that in a while).
One day, he was sweet and clingy, and the next, he was chasing me… and my Crocs.
MORE TEDDY THAN TERROR
At first glance, Luce can be intimidating. He’s huge. He’s red. He has jowls that could probably crush walnuts (and bones, but maybe don’t test it). But according to Nica, he’s more like a reptile teddy than a terror —unless it’s time for guberty.
Yes, guberty. That’s a term used to describe Tegu puberty, where they go from docile angels to hyperactive hormonal mating machines who attack or eat everything around them.
“It was like night and day,” Nica recalls. “One day, he was sweet and clingy, and the next, he was chasing me… and my Crocs.”
Luce fixated on her Crocs so intensely for a reason we’re not sure. The mystery remains: does he see his human Nica as a rival? Or a potential mate, perhaps?
Either way, she just laughs it off now. “You gotta have a sense of humor when you’re being chased by a hormonal lizard.”
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
If you add their more demanding care to their already-intimidating guberty season, taking care of a Tegu might seem like a lot! Of course, there is a proper way of handling it.
According to Nica, as long as you check the basics, you’ll slowly but surely be on the road to a long-lasting bond.
Nica didn’t just wake up and buy a Tegu. She started with Ball Pythons in 2014, slowly working her way through reptiles who were more difficult to take care of, such as Savannah Monitors and Mexican Green Iguanas. Only then did she feel ready for the high-maintenance but awesome Red Tegus. “Tegus are smart,” she explains. “If you’re not confident, they’ll take advantage of that. They don’t give their trust easily — you earn it.”
How do you earn their trust? Consistency. Patience. Always being present and handling them constantly. Basically, act like a clingy but loving sitcom parent with your Tegu, and eventually, you’ll develop a lifelong bond.
Nica spent every day with Luce by her side. Their daily contact slowly but surely built the foundation that then became their bond.
HOME SWEET HOME
When Nica first brought Luce home, he was so small that he could fit in the palm of her hand.
His first enclosure was just three feet long. But now? He has a six-foot custom enclosure for sleeping and an outdoor rooftop kingdom complete with a shaded lounge, a mini pool, and a sunbathing area.
Talk about a spoiled baby, but we absolutely love that for Luce!
Luce spends his time going around and exploring. “By the time he gets back to his enclosure, he’s just there to sleep,” Nica shares. “So, cleaning? Super easy.”
SNEAKING IN THE VEGGIES
Red Tegus are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. But Luce is kind of like that kid who picks every veggie out of their meal, so that’s something Nica had to tackle. “He hates vegetables,” Nica laughs. “He’ll take them out one by one like he’s solving a puzzle.”
The solution? Sneaky mom mode: Tegu meatballs!
According to Nica, in order to not let him remove the veggies, she blends chicken breast, liver, heart, and hidden veggies (shhh!), shaping them into tasty meatballs, which she later quickly blanches to make them extra safe. Of course, bonus points for sprinkling in some calcium supplements when using boneless meat like chicken breast, because calcium supplementation is always important.
He hates vegetables. He’ll take them out one by one like he’s solving a puzzle.
THAT ONE BIG MISTAKE
Remember, everyone makes mistakes – even seasoned reptile moms slip up!
In late 2022, Nica accidentally fed Luce a prey item that was too large. “Normally, you have to check the size of their throat if they can properly accommodate the girth of the whole prey,” she explains. However, on one occasion, she accidentally fed Luce something that was a little too big – and it was already too late by that point.
In that situation, if a reptile has an adequate amount of heat, they could slowly digest the food. However, in Luce’s case, the weather didn’t let up. The result? Impaction: a dangerous condition where a reptile can’t pass food.
“I panicked,” she says. “The hardest part was finding a vet who knew how to treat reptiles. They’re not like Cats and Dogs, and there’s not a lot of vets who know how to properly treat animals like Reptiles.”
Thankfully, she managed to find Dr. Leo Almelor. With his help, Luce pulled through after surgery and a stressful vet visit.
Know your reptile and have a vet ready before there’s a problem. Because these things can happen.
They’re not like Cats and Dogs, and there’s not a lot of vets who know how to properly treat animals like Reptiles.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
According to Nica, most illnesses in reptiles are preventable with three key habits:
- Proper care and environment
- Clean and consistent enclosure maintenance
- A well-balanced diet
Unlike Dogs and Cats who might get sick even if you do everything right, reptiles tend to thrive as long as their basic needs are met — and met consistently as much as possible.
THE REWARD: TRUST
For all the sunbathing, chasing, and meatball making, Nica says the biggest reward is simple: Luce trusts her.
“He lets me touch him, feed him, care for him. He knows I won’t hurt him. That kind of bond — it’s rare. And it’s worth everything.”
IMPORTANT TIP
Always observe your reptiles.
According to Nica, “Reptiles are masters of disguise. We always quote that they’re the best at hiding illnesses. So, if you do not recognize the slightest differences in their behavior, you wouldn’t know that they’re sick.”
MORE PARTNER THAN PET
Luce isn’t just a Lizard. He’s a companion, a commitment, and a conversation starter. He’s also living proof that reptiles, despite their cold-blooded nature, can have relationships that are incredibly warm and wholesome.
So, if you’re ever thinking about getting a Tegu, take it from Nica: Do your homework. Be ready to commit. And maybe be careful when you wear Crocs around them.
Check out Nica and Luce’s reptilian adventures on TikTok by following @arcandrezballpythons, especially if you want to see a Lizard chase foam shoes or enjoy a sun-drenched rooftop nap.
