Teiidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iTeiidae
Tupinambis teguixin
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Order: Squamata Suborder: Sauria Family: Teiidae
Genera
Ameiva Aspidoscelis Callopistes Cnemidophorus Crocodilurus Dicrodon Dracaena Kentropyx Teius Tupinambis

Teiidae is a family of lizards, generally known as whiptails, that includes the parthenogenic genera Cnemidophorus and Aspidoscelis and the non-parthenogenic Tegus.

[edit] Morphology

Teiids can be distinguished from other lizards by the following characteristics: they have large rectangular scales that form distinct transverse rows ventrally and generally small granular scales dorsally, they have head scales that are separate from the skull bones, and the teiid teeth are solid at the base and "glued" to the jaw bones.

[edit] Range

[edit] Sources

• Pianka, E. R. and L. J. Vitt. 2003 Lizards: Windows to the evolution of diversity. University of California Press. Berkeley.