Facts About Tropidurus
Tropidurus is a genus of reptiles renowned for its diverse species of Neotropical ground lizards. As the type genus of the family Tropiduridae, these lizards are predominantly found across South America, flourishing in environments ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to arid regions. Although there isn't a universally recognized common name for Tropidurus species, locals often refer to them as "iguanas." In Brazil, they're commonly known as "calango."
Currently, there are 30 recognized species within the Tropidurus genus, with scientists continuing to discover new ones. Some species, such as the Galápagos lava lizards, are occasionally grouped under Tropidurus, but are more frequently classified in the genus Microlophus. These lizards exhibit a variety of appearances, with males typically being larger and more brightly colored than females. Notably, they can change color based on mood and temperature.
The article provides a list of the known Tropidurus species, underscoring the genus’s rich diversity. It also mentions that species names with a binomial authority in parentheses were originally described under a different genus.