Teiidae is a family of Lacertoidean lizards native to the Americas. Members of this family are generally known as whiptails or racerunners; however, tegus also belong to this family. Teiidae is sister to the Gymnopthalmidae, and both families comprise the Teiioidea. The Teiidae includes several parthenogenic species – a mode of clonal reproduction. Presently, the Teiidae consists of approximately 150 species in eighteen genera.
Cnemidophorus is a genus of lizards in the family Teiidae. Species in the genus Cnemidophorus are commonly referred to as whiptail lizards or racerunners. The genus is native to South America, Central America, and the West Indies.
Kentropyx is a genus of whiptail lizards in the family Teiidae. The genus is endemic to South America including Trinidad and Barbados.
Tupinambis is a lizard genus which belongs to the family Teiidae and contains eight described species. These large lizards are commonly referred to as tegus. T. merianae, T. rufescens, and T. teguixin are popular in the pet trade. They are primarily found in South America, although T. teguixin also occurs in Panama.
Heterodactylus is a genus of lizards in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is endemic to Brazil.
The Chinese crocodile lizard is a semiaquatic anguimorph lizard found only in cool forests in southeastern China and northeastern Vietnam. The Chinese crocodile lizard spends much of its time in shallow water or in overhanging branches and vegetation, where it hunts its prey of insects, snails, tadpoles, and worms. Individuals in captivity may be fed baby mice. A rare and little-studied lizard, it is listed in CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade of specimens. This is the only species in the monotypic genus Shinisaurus. It is the only living member of Shinisauria, a clade of lizards whose fossil record extends back to the Early Cretaceous, over 120 million years ago.
The Argentine black and white tegu, also known as the Argentine giant tegu, the black and white tegu, or the huge tegu, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is the largest of the "tegu lizards". It is an omnivorous species which inhabits the tropical rain forests, savannas and semi-deserts of eastern and central South America. They are native to southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, eastern Paraguay, and Argentina.
Cnemidophorus murinus, known commonly as Laurenti's whiptail, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae (whiptails). The species is endemic to Curacao, and is oviparous.
Ameivula is a genus of lizards in the family Teiidae. The genus is endemic to South America. Many species in the genus Ameivula were previously listed in the genus Cnemidophorus.
Contomastix is a genus of lizards in the family Teiidae. The genus is endemic to South America.
Bocourt's ameiva is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is native to northwestern South America. It is the only species in the genus Medopheos.
Aurivela is a genus of lizards that belongs to the family Teiidae. There are two species in the genus. Both are endemic to Argentina.
Holcosus anomalus, also known commonly as Echternacht's ameiva, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to Colombia.
Holcosus bridgesii, also known commonly as Bridges's ameiva , is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is native to northwestern South America.
Holcosus orcesi, also known commonly as Peters' ameiva, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to Ecuador.
Holcosus septemlineatus, also known commonly as the seven-lined ameiva or the lagartija terrestre de cola azul (Spanish), is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is native to northwestern South America.
Kentropyx paulensis, also known commonly as Boettger's kentropyx and calango or calanguinho in Brazilian Portuguese, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to Brazil.
Kentropyx striata, known commonly as the striped whiptail, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to northern South America.
Kentropyx vanzoi, also known commonly as Gallagher's kentropyx and o calanguinho-listrado in Brazilian Portuguese, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is native to central South America.
Salvator duseni is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is sometimes known commonly as the yellow tegu. It is native to South America.
