Crocodilurus
Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox
Crocodilurus is a monotypic lizard genus consisting of one species, 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.<ref name=IUCN/><ref name=Martins-2006/>
Figurative name
The crocodile tegu has no close relation to crocodilians. The name Crocodilurus amazonicus ("Amazonian little crocodile") is only an analogy: It is a predatory reptile well adapted to living and hunting in water.Template:Citation needed
Distribution
C. amazonicus is found in the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield in South America.<ref name=IUCN/><ref name=Martins-2006/>
Diet
C. amazonicus preys upon arthropods, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.<ref name=IUCN/><ref name=Martins-2006>Template:Cite journal</ref>
.jpg)
References
Further reading
- Template:Cite journal
- Template:Cite journal
- Template:Cite journal
- Template:Cite book 4 unnumbered pages + 26 pp. + Plates I–XXVII. (Crocodilurus, new genus, p. 19; C. amazonicus, new species, pp. 19–20 + Plate XXI) — original description.