teiids

Teiids are a diverse family of lizards native to the Americas. Commonly called teiid lizards, they include widely known groups such as whiptail lizards, racerunners, and tegus. The family spans from the southern United States to Argentina and parts of the Caribbean, occupying a wide range of habitats from arid deserts to tropical forests and open savannas.

Teiids are typically medium-sized, with slender bodies, long tails, and strong limbs. They are diurnal and highly active foragers, usually speedy runners well adapted to open environments. Diets vary but are predominantly insectivorous, with some species taking fruit, small vertebrates, or scavenged meals. Tail autotomy is a common defense, allowing the lizard to escape predation.

Reproduction is diverse. Most teiids lay eggs, but several lineages give birth to live young. Notably, some whiptail lizard species reproduce by parthenogenesis, producing genetically identical offspring without mating.

In taxonomy, Teiidae is a recognized family within the larger Iguania group of lizards, comprising multiple genera such as Aspidoscelis (whiptails), Tupinambis and Salvator (tegus), and Holcosus, among others. They are ecologically important as insectivores and serve as prey for larger animals in many ecosystems. While many species are common, habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive predators threaten some teiids, making monitoring and conservation relevant for certain populations.