Ameiva

Ameiva is a genus of lizards in the family Teiidae, part of the order Squamata. Species in this genus are commonly referred to as ameivas and are native to the Americas, with distributions across tropical and subtropical regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America.

Ameiva lizards are typically medium-sized and slender, with long tails and a rapid, confident gait. They are primarily diurnal and often ground-dwelling or low-vegetation dwellers, though some species may inhabit shrubs or open and disturbed habitats. Their behavior is characterized by high activity levels and fast sprinting to catch prey or evade threats.

Diet and foraging patterns are diverse. Ameivas are primarily insectivorous but will consume other arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and plant matter when available. They are opportunistic feeders, often foraging across open areas such as grasslands, savannas, and edges of forests or human-altered landscapes.

Reproduction varies among species but is generally oviparous, with females laying eggs in nests dug in soil or leaf litter. Clutch size and the number of clutches per season depend on species and environmental conditions. Breeding seasons typically align with favorable warm and wet periods.

Taxonomically, the genus comprises multiple species distributed across the Americas. Some species have broad, stable populations, while others are more restricted and face threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and climate change. IUCN assessments for individual species are used to indicate conservation status, ranging from Least Concern to more threatened categories in island or endemic populations.

Overall, Ameiva lizards are notable for their agility, adaptability to varied habitats, and role as insectivores in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.