Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just curious how to sex my tegu that I have. It is around 2 feet now and one year old. I heard that males by their cloaca have hemapenises which are 2 small bumps on each side. A guy from LLL reptile IRBA show showed me what a male looked like and mine has those 2 small bumps on each side. Im confused cuase about 5 months ago I took it in to the vet and they said they didnt really think it was a male. My question is are the males the only ones that have those bumps or do females have the bumps also but just smaller. I really want to know what sex it is so I can get it a mate. Maybe I will take it in to the vet and have them x-ray or ultrasound it but I'd rather save the money. If I take a pic closeup pic of the cloaca area with my 8.2 megapixel camera would anyone be able to tell by that if I post it on here? Thanks

Actually hemipenis is a males sexual organs. Females is called a hemiclitoris. Those bumps you speak of are called spurs they are more pronounced and larger on males easily felt. Females can have them too but are smaller and smooth to the touch.

Hard to tell by a head shot unless the animal is sexually mature enough to show secondary characteristics. If you post a picture some of the breeders might be able to take an educated guess at it.

Does this pic of the tail help...Someone told me that males have a thicker base at the tail rather than females that gets skinnier from the cloaca back. I can take more pictures(closeups) If that will help just let me know what areas I should zoon in on. THanks