Crocodilurus is a monotypic lizard genus consisting of one species, the crocodile tegu (Crocodilurus amazonicus), belonging to the family Teiidae (tegus, ameivas and whiptails). 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.[1][5]
| Crocodile tegu | |
|---|---|
| |
| Artist’s historical rendition. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Teiidae |
| Genus: | Crocodilurus Spix, 1825[4] |
| Species: | C. amazonicus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Crocodilurus amazonicus | |
Figurative name edit
The 'crocodile' tegu has no close relation to crocodilians. The name Crocodilurus amazonicus ("little Amazonian crocodile") is only an analogy: It is a predatory reptile well adapted to living and hunting in water.
Distribution edit
It is found in the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield in South America.[1][5]
Diet edit
It feeds on arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.[1][5]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Martins, M. (2010). "Crocodilurus amazonicus". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010. IUCN: e.T178328A7524182. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T178328A7524182.en. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- ^ "Appendices". CITES (cites.org). Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ de Massary & Hoogmoed (2001)
- ^ Harvey, Ugueto & Gutberlet (2012), pp. 133, 134
- ^ a b c Martins, M. (2006). "Life in the water: Ecology of the jacarerana lizard, Crocodilurus amazonicus". Herpetological Journal. 16: 171–177.
- Avila-Pires, T.C.S. (1995). "Lizards of Brazilian Amazonia (Reptilia: Squamata)". Zoologische Verhandelingen. 299: 1–706.
- Harvey, M.B.; Ugueto, G.N.; Gutberlet, R.L. (2012). "Review of Teiid morphology with a revised taxonomy and phylogeny of the Teiidae (Lepidosauria: Squamata)". Zootaxa. 3459: 1–156.
- de Massary, J.C.; Hoogmoed, M.S. (2001). "Crocodilurus amazonicus (Spix, 1825): The valid name for Crocodilurus lacertinus auctorum (nec Daudin, 1802) (Squamata: Teiidae)". Journal of Herpetology. 35 (2): 353–357.
Further reading edit
- von Spix, J.B. (1825). Animalia nova sive species nova lacertarum quas in itinere per Brasiliam annis MDCCCXVII-MDCCCXX jussu et auspicius Maximiliani Josephi I Bavariae Regis suscepto collegit et descripsit Dr. J.B. de Spix (in Latin). Lipsiae: T.O. Weigel. Monachii; F.S. Hübschmanni. — original description
External links edit
Data related to Crocodilurus at Wikispecies
.jpg){kind=small} | This lizard article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |