Dicrodon | |
---|---|
Dicrodon guttulatum | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Teiidae |
Subfamily: | Teiinae |
Genus: | Dicrodon A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839 |
Species | |
3 species, see text |
Dicrodon is a genus of lizards in the family Teiidae. Commonly known as desert tegus, there are three described species.
Desert tegus are found in South America, specifically in Peru and Ecuador.
The following species, listed alphabetically by specific name, are recognized as being valid. [2] [3]
Image | Scientific name | Common Name | Distribution |
---|---|---|---|
Dicrodon guttulatum A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839 | Peru desert tegu | Ecuador and Peru. | |
Dicrodon heterolepis (Tschudi, 1845) | Ecuador desert tegu | Peru | |
Dicrodon holmbergi K.P. Schmidt, 1957 | Holmberg's desert tegu | Peru. | |
Nota bene : A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Dicrodon.
Teiidae is a family of autarchoglossan 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.
Meroles is a genus of lizards, commonly known as desert lizards, in the family Lacertidae. The genus contains eight species, inhabiting southwestern Africa, especially the Namib Desert.
Crocodilurus is a monotypic lizard genus consisting of one species, the crocodile tegu, belonging to the family Teiidae. Its common name is the 'crocodile' tegu, due to its appearance and fondness for water, and is locally known as the jacarerana. This semi-aquatic, predatory lizard has a flattened, paddle-like tail, enabling it to swim with ease.
The genus Dracaena, also called caiman lizards or water tegus, is in the teiid family, along with tegus and ameivas. Caiman lizards are found in South America in Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Brazil. These semiaquatic lizards spend a lot of time in the water and inhabit marshes, streams and flooded forests. Caiman lizards often bask on branches overhanging the water.
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.
Cercosaura is a genus of lizards in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is endemic to South America.
Echinosaura is a genus of lizards, called commonly the spined tegus, in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is endemic to Central America and South America.
Euspondylus is a genus of lizards in the family Gymnophthalmidae.
Gymnophthalmus is genus of lizards in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is native to Mexico, Central America, and the northern part of South America. Eight species are recognized as being valid.
Proctoporus is a genus of medium-sized lizards assigned to the family Gymnophthalmidae. Species in the genus Proctoporus occur in Yungas forests and wet montane grasslands on the upper edge of the Amazonian forest, between 1,000 and 4,000 metres elevation, from Central Peru in the north to Central Bolivia in the south.
The Key tegu is a species of lizard in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The species is endemic to Ecuador.
The genus Tretioscincus contains 3 species which are recognized as being valid.
Podocnemis is a genus of aquatic turtles, commonly known as South American river turtles, in the family Podocnemididae. The genus consists of six extant species occurring in tropical South America. Four additional species are known only from fossils.
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.
Loxopholis is a genus of lizards in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is endemic to South America.
Vanzosaura is a genus of lizards in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The genus is endemic to South America.
Paradracaena is an extinct genus of lizards from northern South America. Fossils of Paradracaena colombiana have been found in the Honda Group of Colombia, Peru and Brazil. The species was described as a member of the tegus; Tupinambis huilensis by Estes in 1961.
Dicrodon guttulatum, the Peru desert tegu , is a species of teiid lizard found in Ecuador and Peru. It is herbivorous, with Prosopis pallida making up the majority of its diet.
Dicrodon holmbergi, also known commonly as Holmberg's desert tegu , is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to Peru.
Euspondylus guentheri, also known commonly as Günther's sun tegu, is a species of lizard in the family Gymnophthalmidae. The species is native to Ecuador, and has also been reported from Peru. It lives in lowland tropical and subtropical forest habitats. The specific epithet guentheri is in honour of Albert Günther, a German-born British zoologist. E. guentheri is mostly diurnal, spending time in low branches or basking on the ground. If threatened, it will run for cover.